Chapter 37
Emily’s POV
The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently waking me from sleep. I blinked, disoriented, my head throbbing with the dull ache of a lingering hangover.
The events of the previous night were hazy, like a dream that was slowly coming into focus. I turned my head, feeling the slight pang of discomfort as the dull ache in my temples reminded me of just how much I had drunk.
And then I saw him–Frank, lying beside me, his face peaceful in the early light. For a moment, I couldn’t believe it–I had slept with him last night.
Carefully, I slipped out of bed, trying not to wake him. My heart pounded with a mix of emotions. The voice in my)
whispered that you don’t
have to love someone to sleep with them–sometimes, attraction is enough.
But why did this feel different? With Keith, there had always been a lack of passion, a coldness. But with Frank, it wasn’t just attraction; it was comfort, understanding–something I hadn’t felt in years.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror–hair a mess, eyes bloodshot. The memories of the night before rushed back. Frank had been gentle,
Chapter 37
caring, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that things between us had changed.
Η
This wasn’t just a hangover, it was the weight of realizing that my life was about to take a turn, whether I was ready for it or not.
I padded quietly to the kitchen, deciding to make breakfast. Maybe it would help clear my head, help me make sense of everything. As I reached for the eggs, my phone buzzed on the counter. Absentmindedly, I picked it up, my breath catching in my throat when I saw the message.
Keith: Happy Birthday, Emily.
My hand trembled slightly as I stared at the words. For nine years, throughout our entire marriage, Keith had never once remembered my birthday. And now, just a day after he had insulted me so cruelly, he had the audacity to send me birthday wishes? I couldn’t wrap my head around.
- it.
I scrolled through my phone, finding more birthday messages waiting for me–except Nina’s message, one from my brother, another from my mother. Each message brought a fresh wave of anger.
How could they send me these hollow well–wishes, pretending like everything was fine? The pain they had caused me was still so vivid, the scars they had left so deep. Forgiving them was impossible, not when the memories of their betrayal were still so fresh in my mind.
My hands began to tremble as I read their messages, each one feeling like a slap to the face.
17
Tyler: Happy Birthday, Em. Hope you have a good one.
Mom: Happy Birthday, sweetheart. We’re thinking of you,
Thinking about me? How could they act like everything was normal when they had abandoned me when I needed them most?
My mother… she had turned her back on me, her own daughter, when I needed her love and support the most. Now they all wanted to pretend like everything was okay, like the past didn’t matter.
My vision blurred with tears, and a wave of uncontrollable anger surged through me. I couldn’t hold it in any longer. The pain, the anger, the betrayal–it all came rushing to the surface.
Before I knew it, I was smashing things in the kitchen, throwing plates. and glasses against the walls, letting the rage and hurt consume me. The sound of breaking glass echoed through the room, but it didn’t bring the relief I so desperately needed..
“Emily!”
Frank’s voice cut through the chaos, and suddenly he was there, pulling me into his arms. I fought against him, my nails digging into his arm, but he held me tight, not letting go.
“Shh, it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice steady and calm. “Just let it out, Emily. Let it all out.”
Chapter 37
I pounded on his chest, the tears streaming down my face as I sobbed uncontrollably. “I can’t do this anymore,” I cried, my voice breaking. “They don’t understand… they don’t know what I’ve been through. They act like nothing happened, like I’m supposed to just forgive them and move on. But I can’t… I just can’t.”
Frank held me closer, letting me cry, letting me vent all the pain and anger I had been holding inside for so long. “You don’t have to forgive. them,” he said softly. “Not if you’re not ready. But you can’t keep carrying this burden on your own. You need to let go, Emily. Not for them, but for yourself.”
His words broke through the haze of my anger, and I collapsed against him, my strength completely drained. “I’ve been punished enough,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I’ve suffered so much… I just want it to stop.”
Frank stroked my hair, his touch gentle and reassuring. “You have, Emily. You’ve been through so much, but you’re still here. You’re stronger than you think, and you don’t have to go through this alone. Let me help you.”
I looked up at him, my vision still blurred by tears, but in that moment, I saw the sincerity in his eyes. He wasn’t just saying these things–he truly meant them. He wanted to help me, to be there for me, to help me find a way out of the darkness that had consumed me for so long.
I buried my face in his chest, letting the last of my tears fall. “I don’t know if I can,” I admitted, my voice trembling. “I don’t know if I can ever move past this.”
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”
“You can,” Frank said firmly. “And I’ll be right here with you every step of the way.”
For the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to heal. It wouldn’t be easy, and it wouldn’t happen overnight, but with Frank by my side, I knew I had a chance.
As I clung to him, feeling his steady heartbeat against my cheek, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, someday, I could truly be happy again.
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