12
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When the signed divorce papers arrived, I stared at them for a moment. The crisp white sheets in my hands, Ash’s signature at the bottom corner. It was really over.
The man who had once been my whole world was now nothing more than a closed chapter. There was no point in lingering on what couldn’t be changed. I was free.
The next few weeks I went through a lot of recovery, both physical and emotionalEach day, I regained a little more strength, I had been taken care of by my brother and dad.
During quiet hours alone, I realized what I really needed. I made a decision, a fresh start, far away from Ashte. and the constant reminders of everything I’d endured.
I sighed, I knew what I had to do
One evening, I sat with Seth and dad at the dining table, my head buried deep in m laptop open in front of me. “We’re having dinner Ashley, what are you doing?” Seth asked, looking up at me.
*I’ll join you in a bit I said looking at him from the top of the laptop as I continued with what I was doing. After a while I looked up from my laptop and put it away, then I took a deep breath and announced to both my brother and dad “I’ve applied to a university abroad,” I said, my eyes filled with hope as I looked up at him
Seth looked up from his food, his fork paused mid–air “Wow that’s
observe me
I turned to look at dad and he nodded, “I’m really happy for you” He said with an encouraging smule plastered on
his face
“You’re leaving?”
“I need this,” I explained, meeting his concerned gaze. “I want to continue my studies and Ineed therapy Heal therapy Staying here would mean running into them, Ash, Kate, all of it. I’m not ready for that”
Seth’s expression softened, and he nodded. “You’re right. You deserve to heal, Astrid To move forward” Dad gave me a small smile. “We’ll miss you, but we’ll always be here for you
Their encouragement was warming and after a while of waiting, In no time I was offered an admission
I had hoped for one although I knew that with my qualifications I was going to be offered one. When the acceptance letter arrived, I beamed a genuine smile. This was it. A chance to rebuild myself What I only wanted now was to continue her studies, and also get some therapy, I would be fine I knew that
I spent the next few weeks preparing, sorting through the remnants of my old life, packing up what little I wanted to take with me, and letting go of the rest.
In that period of time, I spent time with my brother and dad, then visiting mother in the hospital. I was going really miss them but at the same time I knew I had to explore the world, find my place and grow and they knew that
too
Two years had passed like a whirlwind. After leaving for a fresh start abroad, I had successfully severed all ties with Ash’s family and even our mutual friends.
Ash’s family always loved me, and saw me as their daughter. They tried to reach out to me multiple times, and they didn’t even allow Kate, and Ash to be married all this time, all because of me. But I needed to cut them off,
recover from this pain.
The memories tied to them were too heavy, that I had been too painful and had only just been a last now. In truth, I barely had time for my own family during those years. I buried myself in my studies and therapy.
rebuilding the pieces of myself that had been shattered.
I had made a lot of progress, even to my surprise.
Still, news had a way of reaching me. A year ago, I heard that Ash’s family had finally accepted Ash and Kate’s relationship, and allowed them to get married.
Apparently he threatened to cut off contact with them for her, and even go as far as saying that they’d elope, and get married.
life
Finally, with no other choice, they got hastily married
At the time, I felt stupid for how deeply it hurt They had both ruined our lives, but here they were, enjoying their
But that was then Now, I was no longer the same Astrid who had been broken by their actions Therapy had taught me to release the anger and focus on what truly mattered to myself and my loved ones
Which was why I was here
I had reached out to a renowned brain specialist while abroad to find better care for my mother. Even after two years, she hadn’t woken up from her coma, and I refused to give up on her It was time to take care of the person who had always taken care of me
As the plane was landing. I prepped my mind and took a deep breath as I stated out the window at the familiar
My heart was heavy with mixed emotions, nervousness, anxiety, and an odd sense of homesickness
really had messed home
When the wheels touched the ground, an ansious smile tugged at my lips. I was back
As soon as I stepped off the plane, Insade my way straight to the hospital. My heart raced with anticipation and
anxiety as entered the familiar halls. The sterile scent but me, dragging me back to memories, mom was here
When reached my mother’s room, froze My father sal beside her, his head bowed, the lines on his face deeper than I remembered. My brother stood near the window, staring out into nothing, his jaw olenched.
The sight of my broken family ignited a fury deep within me. They’d been through so much more than they deserved And the root of all this pain? Ash and Kate
I stood there, my phone buzzed in my pocket Reluctaully, I pulled it out, only to see a notification from social media Kate had posted
The picture was bright and cheerful, Kate holding her swollen belly while Ash stood beside her, his hand protectively on her bump. The caption read, “Can’t wait to meet our little onel Gender reveal coming soon ”
throwned, while they were living in happiness, my family had been left in ruins. They had destroyed so much, and
yet here they were, thuvang, then lives seemingly perfect
The unfairness of it all burned in my chest How could the world reward them while punishing us? My fists
clenched at my sides, my nails digging into my palms. This wasn’t justice
No. I wasn’t satisfied with this
I glanced back at my mother, her fragile form lying motionless, and felt my resolve harden
The next day, as I made my way to the hospital, I was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw her–Kate. She was standing by the entrance, glancing around before walking briskly inside. Before I could think, my legs moved on their own and I found myself following her.
At first I thought nothing of it. Perhaps she was here for a routine check–up or visiting someone. But something about the way she walked, the way she seemed so cautious, piqued my curiosity. She stopped in front of a private room glanced around again, and slipped inside.
I hesitated for a moment before inching closer. The door was slightly ajar, and what I saw made my heart stop Kate wasn’t here for her son or Ash. She was here for someone else, the doctor.
They were close, too close She leaned into him, her hand brushing his arm. They both kissed each other and then he smiled at her like she was his whole world, leaving me dumbfounded.
My breath caught as I fumbled for my phone, snapping a few quick pictures without even thinking.
They began talking and I moved in closer as I switched to video
“I missed you, Kate,” He said with lust in his eyes.
Kate chuckled and they began to make out, leaving me more shocked.
My hand trembled in glee as I stared at the pictures. The evidence was undeniable.
Was Kate having an affair? It was unbelievable, but this was a sure proof.
Iretreated to the washroom nearby, splashing cold water on my face. My reflection stared back at me, wide–eyed and flushed Igripped the sink, my thoughts spiraling
I supposed to do with this? Post then and finally have my revenge? The thought made me laugh. This was the woman Ash had chosen after throwing me aside
As I stepped out of the washroom, my thoughts still tangled, I froze Theard voices coming from the room beside
1:18 Tu₫
I peeked around the corner, staying out of sight. Ash was standing there, speaking to Seth. He looked somber,
almost remorseful.
”