The Baby in My Living Room Wasn't Mine

Synopsis

There were only two days left before our mandatory pre-divorce separation period was up when Michael Johnson walked through the door carrying his mistress's baby. A three-month-old infant, wrapped in a $1,600 blanket. I'd seen that blanket in his shopping cart last month. The note said: [For Anna's Baby]. "Mom said the baby has a little cough. Can you take a look?" Michael said it like it was the most natural thing in the world, as if I were still the family's free babysitter. His mother, Margaret Johnson, followed behind him, carrying a huge bag of baby supplies. The formula tin had an imported label: [32 ounces, $156]. I'd spent $93,000 buying this house, $15,000 on the car, and over $26,000 over three years transferring money to his family. However, they wanted me to take care of his affair baby. "Emily, please help out. The baby is innocent." Margaret's tone was as if she were giving me a chance to prove myself. I looked at the crib in the living room. It had been brought in this morning and cost $2,200. The delivery address on the order was right here. The divorce papers were still under the glass on the coffee table. In two days, our one-year separation period would be complete, and we could finally file. I pulled out my phone, hit the record button, and said flatly, "Sure. $660 a day. Pay up front."