All Chapters of The One He Let Go: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Kelly I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease as I adjusted the straps of my gown. Adrian had insisted I go with him to the event. I had questioned him earlier, asking, “Wouldn’t rumors fly? You suggested we keep our marriage private.” He had shrugged it off with that charming, devil-may-care smile of his, saying, “I don’t care anymore. If my presence keeps Anderson away, I’ll break the rules myself.” There was something comforting in his words, but still I couldn’t escape the anxiety gnawing at my insides. It had been years since I had been part of such a high-profile event, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to face the past, let alone the people from it. But Harper was with me, tugging at my sleeve as she refused to let Olivia babysit her. I smiled softly as I looked down at her. My little girl, so full of life and defiance, had a mind of her own. She wasn’t about to be left behind, and honestly I didn’t mind. She was the one thing that kept me grounded, especially now that Anderso

Kelly As Anderson walked away with Aiden, a heavy wave of recklessness settled in my chest. It had been five years since I last saw my son, yet the boy who left was now a handsome young man. His striking features mirrored Anderson’s—a bittersweet reminder of the life we once shared. My mind drifted to the last time I saw Aiden. He refused to come to me, he didn't even look at me and his tear-filled eyes begged for answers I didn't know how to give. That scene had haunted me for years, and now seeing him again, the ache in my chest felt unbearable. Anderson had always been cunning, but this? Bringing Aiden here? It was a calculated move, one meant to break me and shatter the fragile peace I’d built. I clenched my fists. What lies had Evelyn been feeding him up till now? What poison had she poured into my son’s ears that made him not even recognize me? “Mommy? What’s wrong?” Harper’s small voice snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts. I looked down at her, her innocent eyes full

Kelly The faint hum of the coffee machine in the corner of the kitchen couldn’t drown out my restless thoughts. My mind keeps drifting back to Aiden again no matter how hard I try. The image of his face, his deep, accusing eyes, played on an endless loop in my mind. It had been five years. Five long years since I last saw him. He had grown taller, leaner—his cheekbones sharper, his features a spitting image of his Father, though his lips had the fullness of my own. Aiden was no longer the little boy I remembered. He was a young man now, but I couldn’t help but picture him as the boy who used to hug me tight before bedtime, whispering, “Goodnight, Mommy. I love you.” “Mommy?” Harper’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She stood in the doorway, clutching her favorite stuffed dinosaur. Her bright eyes stared at me, a mix of concern and curiosity. “Are you sad?” I quickly composed myself, forcing a soft smile. “No, sweetheart. I was just thinking.” Harper tilted her head

Kelly The warmth of Adrian’s family home always made me feel welcome, even though every time I stepped foot in it, a slight feeling of unease gripped me. Still, it was nice to be here with Harper—she had grown fond of her grandfather and grandmother over the years, and today seemed like no exception. The dinner table was warm, filled with the smell of rich food and the gentle hum of conversation. Adrian's family had invited us over for a quiet Sunday gathering, something they did every now and then. Harper as usual was her lively self, showing off her drawings to anyone who would listen. Olivia, Adrian’s younger sister, was animated as always, discussing her latest project at work. “Mommy!” Harper’s voice broke my thoughts as she dashed toward me from the living room, her little legs carrying her with excitement. I smiled, picking her up and planting a kiss on her cheek. “What is it, sweetie?” “I’m going to show Grandma my drawings!” she exclaimed, holding up a colorful stac

Kelly The sound of my phone buzzed on my desk as I sat there, flipping through paperwork. My mind was elsewhere, focused on the clothing line I had launched recently. It was an investment, but to Anderson it must've looked like a rebellion. It was a proof that I was more than just the congresswoman everyone expected me to be. It was my way of showing my independence, but more importantly, it was for Aiden. I had plans. I wanted his adulthood to be smooth, it was my way of filling my absence for all these years. I had thought Anderson might try something, but I never imagined he’d stoop to this level. The rumors were circulating like fire, each one more damaging than the last. The fashion line I was building had started gaining some real attraction, but Anderson, ever the manipulator, decided to sabotage that. False rumors spread about the quality of my clothes, and whispers about how I was mismanaging my staffs flooded the industry. It was no longer just personal, It was now my b