We Adopted a 3-Year-Old Boy – When My Husband Went to Bathe Him for the First Time, He Shouted, ‘We Must Return Him!’

After years of heartache and infertility, adopting Sam felt like a dream come true. Little did I know, bringing him home would uncover secrets that would shatter my marriage—but also lead me to the greatest love of my life.

The day we adopted Sam was filled with hope. My husband, Mark, and I had waited so long for this moment. I’d chosen Sam after months of searching through profiles, falling in love with his ocean-blue eyes and sweet, shy smile. He was only three, abandoned by his biological mother, and something about him called to me. He was meant to be ours.

As we drove home, Sam sat quietly in his car seat, clutching the stuffed elephant we’d brought him. I glanced back at him every few minutes, my heart swelling with love and disbelief that he was finally here.

Mark seemed happy too, though there was a nervous energy about him. He offered to give Sam his first bath while I set up his room. I thought nothing of it—Mark wanted to bond with his new son, and I was thrilled he was diving in headfirst.

But minutes later, Mark came rushing out of the bathroom, pale and trembling. “We need to take him back,” he blurted, his voice tight with panic.

I stared at him, stunned. “Take him back? Mark, what are you talking about?”