“You think coming here and apologizing solves it? Do you think it’s going to ease my pain? The pain you inflicted on me?” I yelled at him, my chest burning with all the pent up anger, waiting to be unleashed. Ashton reached out to touch me, but I slapped his hand away. Hurt flashed in his eyes, but I couldn’t care less. “I’m sorry, Helen. I promise to do better. Please, give me a second chance.” I scoffed. What a joke! “We are divorced, Ashton.” Ashton shook his head as if willing himself not to believe what I was saying. “I never sent you divorce papers, Hel. And…” he trailed off while I stared at him with creased brows. “We aren’t divorced. I never signed my part.” ***** For three years, Helen tried to be the perfect wife despite being labeled as incompetent, barren and worthless. She put up with her husband’s ignorance and mother-in-law’s insults for the sake of maintaining peace and keeping her marriage. But what she didn’t expect was a video of her husband in bed with his secretary on Christmas Eve when she planned to break the news of her pregnancy to him. And worse — His secretary threw a divorce paper which her husband had drafted at her face and asked her to beat it. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she left and returned six years later with dashing triplets. But what she didn’t expect was her husband wanting her back. As if that wasn’t enough, she was about to find out that there was more to what happened six years ago, and everything she thought she knew…were all lies. Will the holiday spirit be enough to bring them together again?
View MoreI stared at the pregnancy test results in my hand, tears rolling down my cheeks in torrents. I was a month gone. I felt relief wash over as more tears fell, my heart pounding with joy and gratitude.
Finally, after years of struggling with infidelity, I was pregnant. I couldn’t help but smile through the tears, a warm sense of joy filling me up.
I had tried everything, consulted the best doctors, undergone countless tests and procedures, and still, nothing had worked.
Until now. I looked up to meet the friendly gaze of our private doctor, who smiled at me.
“Congratulations, ma’am,” she said, holding my hands, her face beaming with genuine happiness for me.
Who wouldn’t be happy for me? My life had been nothing but bruises and thorns after three years of marriage with nothing to show for it.
My marriage was on the verge of collapse. Ashton, my husband ignored me like I was some kind of plague, and his mother—hmph!—his mother was the worst.
She made it her day job to maltreat and hurl hurtful insults at me, and I’d willed myself to endure it all.
It was all going to end now.
“Thank you, doctor,” I said, squeezing her hand. “Thank you so much. I can’t believe this is happening.”
The doctor nodded, her expression understanding. “It's a miracle, ma’am. And a blessing. I know this has been a difficult journey for you.”
I nodded, a sob catching in my throat. “It has,” I whispered. “I just… I didn’t think it was possible anymore. I was starting to lose hope.”
The doctor gave me a gentle smile. “But now you have a new beginning, a new chapter in your life,” She said, her voice soft and reassuring and I was grateful for it. “You're going to be a mother, and that’s something to celebrate.”
I nodded, trying to hold back another wave of tears. “Yes, you’re right. I should celebrate this. It’s Christmas tomorrow after all…which makes it even better.”
The doctor nodded with a smile and I stood to my feet. I couldn’t wait to tell Ashton about this. I could only imagine the look on his face when he sees these test results.
This was the best holiday ever.
I made my way out of the hospital, and approached the car. The driver stepped out and opened the passenger door for me. I smiled, breathing in the chilly air and entering the car.
The drive home was a blur of emotions — Joy, relief, and a sense of anticipation swirled in my mind as the cityscape rolled past the car windows. Christmas decorations lit up the streets, a stark contrast to the cold night.
I smiled to myself, imagining Ashton’s face when I told him the news. Would he be happy? Excited? I shook my head, banishing the doubt that threatened to creep in.
He had to be happy. This was everything we’d been hoping for.
As the car pulled up to the driveway of our home, my heart fluttered.
The driver opened the door, and I stepped out onto the snow-dusted driveway, the cold air nipping at my cheeks. My breath came out in puffs of white as I walked towards the front door, my mind racing with possibilities.
The house was quiet, and I paused at the threshold, gathering my courage. I took a deep breath, then pushed open the door.
“Ashton?” I called out, stepping into the foyer. “Are you home?”
Silence.
That was strange. He was supposed to be back from work by now. Even though he was hesitant, he had agreed to spend Christmas Eve with me.
Did he change his mind?
I shook my head to dismiss any form of negative thoughts swirling in, and took a deep breath. A chill crept into the air as I stepped into the living room, the Christmas lights twinkling on the fireplace mantle. The Christmas tree I had decorated with so much care sat alone in the corner, its lights casting dancing shadows on the wall.
“Ashton?” I called out again, my voice barely above a whisper. I checked all the rooms in the house but couldn’t find him and had to return downstairs again.
I brought out my phone and was about to dial his number when my eyes caught something.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I’d been holding. There, on the coffee table, a folded piece of paper caught my eye. I snatched it up, eager to know what lies within.
As I unfolded the paper, a smile crept onto my face. In Ashton’s neat handwriting, a message: “I'm running a bit late. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll definitely be home to spend Christmas Eve with you. Please, make dinner. I’m starving.”
A flood of relief washed over me. He was just late. He hadn't abandoned me. And I couldn’t help the warmth I felt after reading his note. He sounded different—like really different—because the Ashton he became after I couldn’t get pregnant wouldn’t speak to me so nicely.
He wouldn’t even leave a note.
I recall how we first met. It was in College. I was just a freshman majoring in Arts and Theatre while he was in his final year, majoring in the same thing. We met on the set, acted in the Romeo and Juliet play, and fell in love. He was the best thing that had happened to me. His mother loved me, and after I graduated, and he took over the family’s business, we got married.
But after two years—after I couldn’t conceive—he changed. Everyone changed except his father who still supported me.
I didn’t realize a tear had rolled down my cheeks and dropped on the table, snapping me out of my reverie. I wiped my eyes, determined to put these thoughts behind me. I had something to celebrate, after all.
I flitted around the kitchen, humming Christmas carols as I prepared Ashton’s favorite meal. A hearty beef stew, served with crusty bread and a glass of red wine.
The hours ticked by slowly, my anticipation growing with each passing moment. I checked the time, noticing it was getting late. Where was Ashton? Was he okay?
I tried calling him, but it didn’t go through. The air was becoming even chillier now that he wasn’t here.
“Ashton,” I whispered, my expectant gaze on the door. “Where are you?” I blew hot air into my palms and rubbed them against each other.
Dinner was getting cold, and Ashton was nowhere to be found. I was getting worried; worried that something might have happened to him, worried that he might not make it, and worried that, maybe he just wrote that note to make me feel good, and he wouldn’t be able to make it.
But Ashton wouldn’t lie to me. I trusted him, and I hated that doubts were creeping in.
My phone began ringing, making me jump. I quickly took it and sighed in relief when I saw his name flashing on the screen.
With a cute pout, I answered and placed the phone on my ear. “Ash, where are you? I’ve been trying to call you, but—”
“Oh my fucking God, that’s it! Fuck me harder, Ashton!”
I blinked at the sound that just came out through the phone.
Did I just hear Ashton? And… and… moans?
I brought the phone down to look at the screen again. Perhaps my eyes and ears were playing tricks on me, but it was true.
I could hear grunts, moans, and flesh slapping against flesh.
“Come on, Ashton, fuck me and get me pregnant since your barren wife can’t get the job done!”
My blood ran cold. Ashton…. I covered my mouth with my palms, tears pooling in my eyes.
I felt like my heart had been stepped on, crushed and broken.
Ashton was… my husband was cheating on me.
On Christmas Eve.
While I’m pregnant with his child.
What I was hearing was unbelievable. I reached for my phone and sent Rita a brief message. I don't understand what you're telling me right now, Rita. Are you implying that you had another encounter with Ashton? As I pressed send, my fingers shook slightly. I waited for her response while sitting on the edge of my bed with my eyes wide. My phone buzzed a few minutes later. I glanced at the screen. Indeed, Helen. Today, I saw him. We conversed. Although our meeting was brief, I believe you should be aware of what transpired. I gazed at the message. My heart began to race. I didn't want to accept it. I simultaneously experienced confusion, anger, and a weird hope. "I don't get it, Rita. How come you met him? Why didn't you tell me? What were you two discussing? Another buzz. I waited with trembling hands. I was just concerned about him, Helen. I wanted to know if he had truly changed. We discussed everything, including the children, ourselves, and the past. I believe he is truly
“I appreciate you coming to see me.” I said, taking a seat across from Rita at Cafe Sunset. She gave a quiet smile as she looked up. "Ashton, you're welcome. I'm glad to see you.” She kept mute for a second, then continued. "How have you been?" “I have been good, though. Only in certain places. You know, trying to keep everything together while working." I answered as I looked around the small, welcoming cafe, a little anxious but glad to see her. She just smiled back and nodded. "That's excellent. I've been alright, too. Simply taking in the weather in Seattle. You know how good it is for my skin” She gave a quiet laugh. “Honestly, I feel like I've been much more youthful lately." I couldn't resist smiling. "Hey, Rita, stop it. I'm jealous of you. I wish I had that new appearance.” She covered her face with her hand as she blushed slightly at my smile. I shook my head and chuckled. "You look adorable when you blush." She looked down, shy but still grinning. In order to put h
The following day, I returned to the office. I couldn't help but smile as I sat at my desk, filled with joy. At last, everything was resolved. It was all over—the worry, the stress. I inhaled deeply and looked around the room. It was as if a big burden had been removed from my shoulders. Even though it was for a different reason, my heart was still pounding a little. I felt pleased, I'm glad I completed the task at hand. I was startled to see Dan enter my office. He seemed taken aback by my happiness. I was eager to tell him. I yelled, "Dan!" as I jumped out of my chair. “You won't believe it!”He hesitated, perplexed. "What? What took place? What happened?”I smiled broadly and said, "Our strategy was successful! It was a huge success!”His look was surious. "Really? Are you serious?”“Indeed! Yesterday, I told her everything. I presented the evidence to her. And what do you know? At last, she consented. She promised to resume the film project's funding.”Dan's expression brighten
My phone rang out of nowhere as I was working on the most recent budget report at my desk. I didn't recognize the number that flashed on the screen. So I scowled, wondering who the caller might be. After a moment of hesitation, I responded. "Hello?" The person called softly, and I didn't recognize the voice at first. It had an odd sound, somewhat harsh, possibly even icy. "Please, who is this?" I tried to sound firm but gentle as I asked.After a pause, someone said, "This is Mrs. Fletcher." My eyes got big, and I nearly shouted, "What? Mrs. Fletcher?” I blinked in surprise as I repeated that it wasn't possible. Fletcher, Mrs. Ashton's mother? She called me, but why? My heart skipped a beat. I looked at the phone, trying to understand what was going on. This was really strange. I never thought she would give me a call. I usually interacted with her except via Ashton or his group. Why now? I inhaled deeply, reminding myself to remain composed. I didn't have to show that I was a
I drove to Mom's, my heart was pounding furiously no matter how I tried to remain calm. Dan's revelation was a tiny ray of light at the end of the tunnel. But I also understood I was in a vulnerable position. I needed to figure out how to make her hear me out. How to make her do as I wanted.I drove in front of her home and breathed deeply. I glanced over at the place, it looked still. There were no cars in the driveway. I considered where she would be. Then I caught a glimpse of her emerging from the home. She was getting into her vehicle."Hello, Ashton," She exclaimed in surprise once she spotted me. "What are you doing here?"I remained silent for a moment. Then I opened the door and went over to her. She was looking at me with a face filled with confusion. I gazed at her and spoke gently, "I need to see you. It is very important."She stared at me and blinked. "There's no need to rush. I've got a meeting to attend. I don't think I have the time to spare now."I took a brief pau
I sat there, attempting to clear my head. I gulped the liquor big time. The whiskey burned in my throat, but I didn't care. I was consumed by worrying thoughts, I was attempting to remain peaceful but kept failing miserably. Then, the phone rang. I pulled out the phone and read the screen: Dan's number. I was afraid, I didn't know why but I was. And I didn't think I'd hear from him today.I immediately answered the phone."Hello?" I replied, attempting to remain calm.Dan sounded thrilled on his end. "Ashton! Hi, I have some news. I believe I know how to solve this issue."I instantly sat up, getting a glimmer of hope. "What? What do you mean?" I leaned in closer to the phone.He chuckled, as if he'd solved some secret puzzle. "You're at the bar, aren't you?""Yes, I'm here now," I replied. "Why?"“I need to see you immediately. It is very important, " he answered. I was already getting so excited. "Alright, alright, what is it? I can go in immediately. What are we doing?"He paused
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