saw tears welling up in his eyes. He swallowed hard, his shou

efore he dragged them down his face in frustration. "I... I was working. I didn't know. If I had known-" H

Was this real? Was he finally realiz

shing over the tear-streaked skin. "I know I failed you." His voice cracked. "I should have picked up the phone. I should have

s lips t

rstand her pain, and now, here he was broken, regretful,

glass of water from the table. "Here, drink this," he murmured, gently pressing it int

ated but took

ward the couch. He brought a blanket, draping it over her should

n. Maybe it was the desperate need to hold on to something familiar. She let him wrap an arm a

he stone was lai

ng into the fabric of her dress as she

ht Do

est tig

with so much love, now engra

soft breeze rustled the trees. The world

oice cut thro

shl

stiffening as she saw

her gaze landed on Ashley's face, something flickered in

eels clicking against the pavement. The older woman's expression was carefully composed, but

f second before shifting back to Ashley. She let out a small sigh. "Such a trage

her, to say something, anything that could ease the unbearable wei

shley. Your husband is alr

reath caugh

h of you. Alex is doing his best, he's a good man, providing for you, keeping everythi

body going cold. Was

sharper. "This is a marriage, Ashley. A real marriage. Not a

Ashley's eye

ht's fevered body in her arms, sobbing for help while Alex had been nowh

know you're hurting, darling. But you have to

the motion so sudden that her

red, her voice trembling

ant to hear this right now, but think about what you have.

child died!" Ashley's voice cracked, g

ed, was it regret? Guilt? But it was gone too

sy with your father? I endured, Ashley. For you. And look at where we are now. Alex is a good man.

ked in a sh

here i

truth that leaving him wouldn't just be her dec

r any longer. The pain, the exhaustion, the b

ht wa

r wasn't o

d A

whispering apologies, still acting as if

, she wondered if this was all her life would e