Chapter 29: Uninvited Guest

Megan's POV

"Hey, why did you have to smash this beautiful bouquet, Meg? You could have given it to me," Alice said the moment she got inside my office and found another bouquet on the floor. It has been one week since I started receiving flowers every day from my mortal enemy. My best friend picked it up while shaking her head. I knew my heart was thumping hard against my chest, and I kept telling myself it was because of my anger towards the sender of the bouquet.

But I knew deep in my core I was only fooling myself. I couldn't deny that I felt excited again, and I needed to reprimand myself for feeling this way. I didn't want to ruin the flowers since I loved them, but I was too angry with myself for feeling so excited. How could I feel this way when I knew he had turned into a playboy?

"And what do you want me to do with that flower, Alice? I don't even know how he found out I work at this company. I think Axel's father hired a private detective to find out where I am and what I'm doing, or maybe someone sold me out to him," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest. I could still feel the rapid beating of my heart.

"How could he send me another bouquet? If he reaches out to you and asks for your help, tell him I am not interested in meeting him again. After all these years, he must be crazy to think that I’m going to forgive him for what he did to my children and me," I said as I walked around my office while my best friend looked at me with amusement on her face.

"I’m telling you, Alice, Ashton will never have a chance to talk to me unless I’m already married," I said in more than a whisper.

"Why, Meg? Because you’re afraid that your heart will betray you the moment you meet him again? And you're scared that instead of running away from him, you’ll end up throwing yourself at him? Come on, Megan, I can see it in your face—you’re blushing right now. You only received another bouquet from Axel’s dad, and you're already so stressed about it," Alice responded.

"Yes, I can’t deny after meeting my ex, I realized he’s still the one inside this stupid heart of mine. But this time, I will fight it, and I will never let my heart win. I won’t be a fool again, Al. I’ve suffered enough, and I already promised myself that he will never have me, even if it’s the end of the world," I said as I sank into the chair in front of my desk. I felt so angry with Ashton for sending me the flowers because they made me reminisce about the past.

"But that doesn’t mean everything will be the same between us, because there is no way I’ll give him another chance to have me. I’d rather hurt myself than be at his mercy all over again," I added.

"Ashton doesn’t know how much I suffered after he abandoned me. Even though I tried my best to look strong in front of you during those times, Al, I felt like I was dying inside. But I didn’t have a choice—I had to be strong for my babies, especially when the doctor told me about Abigail’s condition, and she died because of me," I said. I was about to cry again as I remembered my little girl.

"Megan, how many times have I told you it wasn’t your fault that Abi had a weak heart," Alice said, and I shook my head.

"I’m partly to blame, Alice," I said, and she sat beside me and took my hand.

"Megan, you have to come to terms with the fact that your little girl is now an angel. Stop mourning over her death. I’m not saying you have to forget Abigail, but she’s now resting, Meg, and I’m sure your baby wants you to be happy," Alice declared.

I knew my best friend was right, and I was just glad I was no longer crying. I remembered the first few years, and there wasn’t a moment I wouldn’t cry if someone mentioned Abigail’s name because it was so painful for me. I knew Alice and Gael avoided that topic, but every time it was Axel’s birthday, I couldn’t stop myself from crying hard until my little boy’s arms hugged me.

"And about your ex, I think there’s nothing you should be worried about because Ashton is already engaged to his girlfriend, and maybe he only wanted to see you because he yearned for your forgiveness. Maybe Ashton felt guilty about what he did to you," Alice said, and I couldn’t deny that I felt so hurt when she mentioned Ashton’s engagement.

"And I think he also wants closure. Besides, you told me you wanted Axel to know his father in the future, and I don’t think it’s a good idea if you talk to Ashton with anger the moment you introduce him to your son. So I guess this is the best time to forgive him so you can move on with your life, Meg," my best friend added softly, and I half-laughed as I went back to my swivel chair. I could feel my fury toward Ashton and his girlfriend.

"If he marries his fiancée, there is no way I’ll let him meet Axel, and that’s final. I’ll tell my son that his father died before I gave birth to him; besides, I’m already living my life without him," I said out of anger. How could Alice tell me Ashton only wanted to see me for forgiveness and closure—not to win me back? I felt horrified with myself. Why was I even upset about it instead of feeling glad that he wouldn’t mess with my life anymore?

"Oh, Megan, you’re only saying that because you’re jealous. I know you can’t lie like that to your son. And why does it bother you anyway? Isn’t that what you want? You want Ashton to leave you alone, right?" Alice asked, and I looked daggers at her.

"Alice, it’s still working hours. Let’s talk about work and not something useless," I said as I tried to change the topic because I knew my best friend caught me, and I couldn’t tell her I was jealous.

"Okay, there’s something I wanted to tell you, Meg," Alice said, and I could tell by the look on her face she had done something I wasn’t going to like.

"What did you do, Alice?" I asked as I looked at her face.

"I signed us up for a three-day nature retreat," she said, and my eyes widened in disbelief.

"A what?" I asked, unable to believe what she said.

"It’s my birthday gift for you," she said.

"Come on, Alice, it’s been months since my birthday. How could you sign me up without consulting me?" I asked.

"Megan, you need a break. A nature retreat is wonderful. It’s for relaxation, healing, and reconnecting with nature, and I’m sure we’re going to enjoy it. And who knows, we might both meet someone special," she said, and I shook my head.

"You’re going alone, Alice. I’m not coming with you," I said with finality.

"You can’t say no, Meg. I already paid in full, so all you need to do is pack your bag. I’ll tell you later what to bring, Meg," Alice said, and she didn’t let me speak again as she walked out of my office in haste. I took a deep breath to calm myself, and I realized I couldn’t say no to Alice’s invitation because I’m a nature lover, and I think a nature retreat is what I need after seeing Ashton again.

It’s Saturday, and the entire house is so quiet since Dexter and Ava left one week after Axel’s birthday. I could tell my son misses his uncle so much, especially their morning routine. Dexter taught my son the basics of playing football.

Alice said she couldn’t come this weekend since she wanted to beautify herself before attending the nature retreat next weekend. Since Friday is a holiday, Alice scheduled us for a three-day retreat package, but I haven’t told her yet that I’m coming with her because I’m still upset that my best friend didn’t ask me first. She didn’t give me a choice.

Axel is still sleeping, and I’m on my way to have my morning run. As I walked down the stairs, I heard knocking on the front door. I wondered who would come this early, and I smiled as I remembered Gael promised to visit us today.

Even though I felt upset that Gael didn’t communicate with me for five days—no matter how many messages I sent him or how many calls I made—Gael didn’t return any of them. Still, I was excited and happy to see him and to have him back. I realized how much I missed my savior. I was smiling like an idiot as I opened the door, but my face fell and my eyes widened as I looked at the handsome face of my uninvited guest standing on my doorstep—none other than Ashton Pritzgold, wearing the same smile that always melts my heart.