บททั้งหมดของ Painful Divorce : บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

“You don't get it, Kevin!” Maudy’s voice shook, the courage slipping away as tears started to form in her eyes. “I see how you look at her. I see how you’ve changed since you both were together. You’re not the guy I fell for anymore! ” Jessica's heart hurt for Maudy, but she steadied herself and recalled the underlying storm in Kevin’s words. “I didn’t change you; Kevin did. You two made decisions, and now we have to live with them. I want you to be happy, but forcing me into this will not help anyone.” “Jessica, you need to understand-” Kevin began only to be cut off by Maudy in a flurry of diverging emotions.  “No! You don’t get to talk to her! She has every right to do anything to protect her glittering heart!” With each word, Maudy’s tone escalated, and Jessica noticed the tension building in the room like ambie

"Cause I saw that breaking you down just made walls around my heart. It didn’t give me joy, it just pushed me away more," Maudy said with strong will. "I want to fix things and help you any way I can. You deserve your time in the light without my dark." They stood in the noise of students rushing about, Jessica at last ͏gave a small nod, a hint of knowing in her eyes. “It will take time but I like your truth,” she said softly and Maudy felt a breath of ease come over her.  As the weeks went by, so did their bond. A shy friendship grew between them, slowly wiping away the gap that jealousy had made. Maudy found out not only about the need for truthfulness but also about the strength of helping others up instead of pulling them down. In this bright way, she saw that real beauty came from being able to accept the wins of others as a win of its own. What started as a nasty plan changed into a l

Days became weeks and Jessica walked into her new job with doubt but clear warmth. There were mornings full of laughs as she gave Anya her meal, afternoons spent washing her in the light coming through the curtains and nights calming her to rest. Every quick moment tugged at the strings of Jessica's heart, mixing feelings long hidden. But with those happy times stayed sweet reminders of her own pain. While she held Anya, Jessica couldn’t get rid of the strong guilt of ͏caring for a child born from deceit. Maudy’s presence was big, often sending waves of anger through her body. It hurt to see Anya; yet it also felt like a strange bond was growing. Kevin looked from afar, seeing Jessica’s change. He respected her for rising to the occasion, even if his own feelings were mixed with regret and sadness. Seeing Jessica take care of every want of Anya sparked something he thought had long gone out, a respect for the woman who was

Jessica was quiet. The words were like a flash of light in the bright sun. She knew Anya needed care and love, but she couldn’t forget Kevin’s backstab. His link with Maudy had hurt her heart. Now in the middle of her mixed feelings Kevin was asking her to return. “Kevin, I…,” Jessica said, trying to find the right words. “I can’t just come back, I still hurt. How do I forget what happened?” Kevin sighed, feeling annoyed. “I know I was mistaken but Anya needs both of us. She can’t grow up without the love from her parents.” Jessica saw Anya who was giggling in the stroller. She knew how key a mom is for Anya's life. But, getting mixed up with Kevin again was quite hard. Also, now she was in a relationship with Jonas, a nice and caring guy. “Kevin, I can't ignore my feelings. I am with Jonas now.” Jessica fi͏nally said.

Yet, Jessica also understood she must protect her own heart, mainly when it involved Jonas. When Jessica and Jonas got to the lake, the night felt nice. The water glittered in the sun, and a soft wind brought the clean smell of the trees around. "This spot is pretty, Jonas said, looking at the scene." “Yeah I like to come here to think,” Jessica said, feeling the calm that wrapped around them. “This spot always gives me ideas” They picked a place on a wood bench looking at the lake. As she sat, Jessica felt cozy by Jonas. She knew that even with all the unknowns in her life, she cou͏ld always count on him. After a bit of quiet, Jonas looked at Jessica. “How do you feel about the day?” he asked soft. Jessica thought of the fun times as Anya blew out a candle on her birthday cake. “Today was great.