I 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.
How could he do this to me? Why would he cheat on me? I can understand that he was desperate for a child, but cheating? Cheating was way out of line.“Helen, are you there?” the voice of the lady he was with boomed through the phone and I clenched my fists as tears rolled down my cheeks.“I want to speak with Ashton,” I demanded, trying my best to hide the hurt in my voice. “Now.” I added.She laughed. “Don’t you want to know who I am first?” She chuckled, but I was quiet. She was going to introduce her bitchy self anyway. “Of course you’d get to see your lovely husband, but I want you to know me first. I’m Rose, his secretary and next wife.”My eyes twitched. Rose? I knew her. Ashton was cheating on me with his secretary? I shook my head. “No!” I snapped. “I can’t believe this.”A picture came into my phone instantly, and I checked, my eyes widening. I recognize that chestnut brown hair and physical build anywhere. It was Ashton… and… he was on top of her, naked. My eyes burned with
My eyes fluttered open slowly, the faint light filtering through the curtains feeling like a knife to my throbbing head. I groaned, reaching up to rub my temples.What had happened last night? I could barely remember anything beyond the meeting with the executives. Had I really drunk that much?I tried to piece together the fragments of my memory, but it was like trying to grasp smoke. All I knew was that something had gone terribly wrong, but what could it be?I sat up slowly, my head spinning slightly. As I glanced around the room, a sense of unease settled over me. Something was wrong. The air felt…different.I would usually wake up to the scent of toasted bread and waffles that Helen used to make. And I’d always pretend not to enjoy it, but I actually did. There was nothing like that this morning. What was going on?I swung my legs out of bed, groaning as my bare feet hit the cold floor. I stumbled toward the dresser, my vision still blurry.As I passed by the window, I noticed th
Rose stepped forward, her eyes holding sadness. “Something actually ha—”I didn’t wait to hear what she had to say as I rushed up the stairs, ignoring my mother calling after me as I made my way to Helen’s room. She couldn’t possibly be gone, right? Maybe she was pranking me or something.I reached the top of the stairs, my hand shaking slightly as I turned the handle to Helen’s room. The door creaked open, and I stepped inside, my eyes frantically searching for any sign of her.The room was a mess, Helen’s things strewn haphazardly across the floor. But what caught my eye was the framed picture of us, shattered on the ground. I stared at it for a moment, my heart sinking.I walked over to the closet, opening the doors to see the empty hangers swaying slightly in the still air.My mind refused to process the scene before me. Helen had left. She was gone.I collapsed to the floor, my hand resting on the broken frame. The glass bit into my skin, but I didn’t flinch. The pain was nothing
Six years later…EUROPE“Happy holidays, Helen!”“Happy Holidays!” I replied as I made my way to the CEO’s office. We were going on a break today and I had a lot planned for me and my cuties this week. “I’m coming over to your place for hot cocoa, Hel.” Terrence, one of my friends at work muttered as I walked past his desk.I chuckled, nodding my head. “Sure, sure.”I got into the elevator and pressed the button for the CEO’s office, my mind already racing with thoughts of the holidays. “Hot cocoa, presents, family time…” I murmured to myself, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.The elevator doors opened to reveal the CEO’s office. Mr. Anderson was standing behind his desk, his face creased with a frown as he leafed through a stack of papers.He looked up as I walked in, his frown disappearing as he offered me a smile. “Hello, Helen. Please, have a seat.”I took a seat, crossing my legs.“Thank you for coming in today, Helen,” Mr. Anderson said, his voice kind but serious. “I
As we stepped off the plane, the kids chattering excitedly around me, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. There was a Holiday party tomorrow night—Christmas Eve night to be precise—and I had been invited by the company. Well… time to get settled in then.“Mommy! I love this place! Look at all that snow!” Kate giggled excitedly, twirling while her brothers tried to hold her to stop her from falling flat on her face.“Hey, stay put!” Jake snapped.“You’re gonna get hurt!” Blake held her and I smiled.They loved their sister so much and were always there to protect her. At this age, they already pampered and treated her like a little sister even though they were triplets which left me wondering what it would be like when they get older.“Mommy!” Jake held my hand, leading me to the car that was already waiting to convey us to our new house. “The Chauffeur is waiting!”Jake was the most mature and the one who looked like Ashton the most. His striking hazel eyes and thick dark hair made
As we stepped off the plane, the kids chattering excitedly around me, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. There was a Holiday party tomorrow night—Christmas Eve night to be precise—and I had been invited by the company. Well… time to get settled in then.“Mommy! I love this place! Look at all that snow!” Kate giggled excitedly, twirling while her brothers tried to hold her to stop her from falling flat on her face.“Hey, stay put!” Jake snapped.“You’re gonna get hurt!” Blake held her and I smiled.They loved their sister so much and were always there to protect her. At this age, they already pampered and treated her like a little sister even though they were triplets which left me wondering what it would be like when they get older.“Mommy!” Jake held my hand, leading me to the car that was already waiting to convey us to our new house. “The Chauffeur is waiting!”Jake was the most mature and the one who looked like Ashton the most. His striking hazel eyes and thick dark hair made
Six years later…EUROPE“Happy holidays, Helen!”“Happy Holidays!” I replied as I made my way to the CEO’s office. We were going on a break today and I had a lot planned for me and my cuties this week. “I’m coming over to your place for hot cocoa, Hel.” Terrence, one of my friends at work muttered as I walked past his desk.I chuckled, nodding my head. “Sure, sure.”I got into the elevator and pressed the button for the CEO’s office, my mind already racing with thoughts of the holidays. “Hot cocoa, presents, family time…” I murmured to myself, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.The elevator doors opened to reveal the CEO’s office. Mr. Anderson was standing behind his desk, his face creased with a frown as he leafed through a stack of papers.He looked up as I walked in, his frown disappearing as he offered me a smile. “Hello, Helen. Please, have a seat.”I took a seat, crossing my legs.“Thank you for coming in today, Helen,” Mr. Anderson said, his voice kind but serious. “I
Rose stepped forward, her eyes holding sadness. “Something actually ha—”I didn’t wait to hear what she had to say as I rushed up the stairs, ignoring my mother calling after me as I made my way to Helen’s room. She couldn’t possibly be gone, right? Maybe she was pranking me or something.I reached the top of the stairs, my hand shaking slightly as I turned the handle to Helen’s room. The door creaked open, and I stepped inside, my eyes frantically searching for any sign of her.The room was a mess, Helen’s things strewn haphazardly across the floor. But what caught my eye was the framed picture of us, shattered on the ground. I stared at it for a moment, my heart sinking.I walked over to the closet, opening the doors to see the empty hangers swaying slightly in the still air.My mind refused to process the scene before me. Helen had left. She was gone.I collapsed to the floor, my hand resting on the broken frame. The glass bit into my skin, but I didn’t flinch. The pain was nothing
My eyes fluttered open slowly, the faint light filtering through the curtains feeling like a knife to my throbbing head. I groaned, reaching up to rub my temples.What had happened last night? I could barely remember anything beyond the meeting with the executives. Had I really drunk that much?I tried to piece together the fragments of my memory, but it was like trying to grasp smoke. All I knew was that something had gone terribly wrong, but what could it be?I sat up slowly, my head spinning slightly. As I glanced around the room, a sense of unease settled over me. Something was wrong. The air felt…different.I would usually wake up to the scent of toasted bread and waffles that Helen used to make. And I’d always pretend not to enjoy it, but I actually did. There was nothing like that this morning. What was going on?I swung my legs out of bed, groaning as my bare feet hit the cold floor. I stumbled toward the dresser, my vision still blurry.As I passed by the window, I noticed th
How could he do this to me? Why would he cheat on me? I can understand that he was desperate for a child, but cheating? Cheating was way out of line.“Helen, are you there?” the voice of the lady he was with boomed through the phone and I clenched my fists as tears rolled down my cheeks.“I want to speak with Ashton,” I demanded, trying my best to hide the hurt in my voice. “Now.” I added.She laughed. “Don’t you want to know who I am first?” She chuckled, but I was quiet. She was going to introduce her bitchy self anyway. “Of course you’d get to see your lovely husband, but I want you to know me first. I’m Rose, his secretary and next wife.”My eyes twitched. Rose? I knew her. Ashton was cheating on me with his secretary? I shook my head. “No!” I snapped. “I can’t believe this.”A picture came into my phone instantly, and I checked, my eyes widening. I recognize that chestnut brown hair and physical build anywhere. It was Ashton… and… he was on top of her, naked. My eyes burned with
I 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 hu