In life, we all dream of finding love and stability, especially when the years start adding up and uncertainty sets in. This is my story, and I’m sharing it to expose the truth about a man who promised me everything, then left me and his children to fend for ourselves.

I met Franklin four years ago. At the time, he was married but told me his marriage had been unhappy for years. He complained that his wife wasn’t satisfying him in bed and, worse still, hadn’t given him a son – all his four children were daughters. He admitted feeling “less of a man” without a male child, and this became his main reason for wanting out of his marriage.

He told me he’d divorce his wife and marry me, but there was a condition: I had to first get pregnant and give him a son. Only then would he approach my parents to fulfill the traditional marriage rites before our wedding.

I was 30, engaged to someone else, a man I genuinely loved. But my fiancé was struggling to make ends meet, barely surviving on his small retail business. Franklin, on the other hand, was already successful. He convinced me that he would be the husband I’d been waiting for. I was hesitant, but at my age, finding a stable partner felt urgent. Besides, my family had a strong line of sons; I felt confident I could give him the boy he longed for.

A month later, I was pregnant. But God’s plan was different. I gave birth to a beautiful daughter. Franklin reassured me we could try again, and so we did. But six months into the second pregnancy, he insisted on a scan, despite my reluctance. The results came back – it was another girl. From that moment, he changed completely.

Since then, Franklin has barely looked back. He doesn’t visit or even call to check on his own children. It’s been six months since our second daughter’s birth, and he hasn’t shown up even once. I look back on who I was when he met me – vibrant, hopeful, ready to love. Now, he’s left me exhausted, broken, and caring for two children without his support.

Franklin, when you came to me, you knew you had a wife. But you chose to deceive me, convinced me to leave my fiancé, and made me believe in a future with you. And now, after using me and abandoning our children, you expect to walk away without consequences.

Franklin, God will fight for me. You may think you can escape, but I believe that justice will prevail. Mark my words.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to celebrations, gatherings, and creating new memories. But for ladies especially, it’s also a time to be extra cautious, as this festive period often sees an increase in blackmail tactics. While it might seem unlikely, social events and more online interactions can make us vulnerable to people who don’t have the best intentions. Here’s how to protect yourself from falling into such situations and keep your holiday season free from worry.

In a world where sharing photos and videos is second nature, it’s important to pause and think before capturing or sending anything too personal. Remember, even a trusted friend or partner may inadvertently or otherwise misuse these images, potentially leaving you exposed to blackmail. To avoid this risk, focus on capturing joyful moments in safe, public settings, and avoid sending sensitive photos, even to people you trust.

Social media can also become a risky platform if not used carefully, so start by adjusting your privacy settings. Make sure you control who can see your posts, stories, and personal moments. Oversharing, especially about your location, plans, or social circles, can put you at risk. Limiting who has access to this information helps prevent strangers from obtaining details that could be used to manipulate or threaten you.

During the holidays, it’s common to receive more messages and friend requests from people you may not know well. However, avoid letting your guard down. Blackmailers often try to build trust through casual conversations before they reveal their true intentions. If someone new begins asking personal or intrusive questions, don’t hesitate to cut off communication by blocking or reporting them. Trust your instincts; if a conversation feels uncomfortable, it’s better to be safe.

If you ever find yourself in a situation that feels concerning, remember that keeping it secret only benefits the blackmailer. Reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or mentor—and let them know what’s happening. This can help break the hold that blackmailers often rely on, which is the belief that you have no support. By talking about it, you build a network of people who can help you navigate the situation and support you if anything escalates.

Ultimately, staying safe is about staying alert and using simple steps to protect yourself and your privacy. This holiday season, make sure you enjoy the celebrations without letting your guard down. These precautions can help you make this December a time of joy and peace, not worry and stress. Stay safe, stay mindful, and have a wonderful, worry-free holiday season.