A ticking clock, a hidden betrayal, and a pregnancy that may destroy everything

Dreams of a Future… Built on a Lie?

Emmerdale is heading for emotional devastation as Jacob Gallagher and Sarah Sugden continue preparing for parenthood—unaware that the child they’re so excited for may not even be theirs.

The young couple, now engaged, have clung tightly to their dream of starting a family. Sarah, who suffers from a life-limiting illness, has always known her time may be short. Faced with that reality, she rushed into motherhood—desperate to leave behind a legacy.

When complications led to a hysterectomy, her grandmother Charity Dingle stepped in as a surrogate, using Jacob’s sperm. From tragedy came hope—and even romance, as Jacob and Sarah bonded through their shared goal.

But there’s one painful truth neither of them knows: the baby isn’t theirs.

A Secret Grows—and So Does Doubt

Charity is hiding a life-altering secret. After losing Jacob and Sarah’s embryo, she didn’t tell them the truth. Instead, she carried on with the pregnancy—conceived during a one-night stand with Ross Barton. Now carrying his child, Charity has remained silent, watching Jacob and Sarah make plans for a baby that doesn’t belong to them.

Meanwhile, Jacob’s grandfather Eric Pollard is quietly preparing for a future without Sarah. He’s been secretly moving money into Kerry Wyatt’s bank account as a tax-free inheritance for Jacob—believing his grandson will need support when Sarah dies.

Kerry accidentally discovers the account and is thrilled, until Jacob warns her it could be a scam. Eric is horrified the secret is out, but finally comes clean: the money is real, and it’s meant for Jacob after Sarah is gone.

Kerry is disgusted but ultimately agrees with Eric—Jacob, a soon-to-be dad and medical student, will need all the help he can get.

The Perfect Storm Approaches

Even as Eric prepares for the worst, Jacob and Sarah remain in denial—blissfully unaware that Sarah’s health is deteriorating, and that the foundation of their relationship is a lie.

When the truth about Charity’s baby emerges, the fallout will be catastrophic. Not only will it shatter Sarah’s heart, but it may break Jacob completely—destroying their romance and their trust in everyone around them.