AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Leaving the store, our bags filled with baby things, we walk hand in hand, a spring in our steps and hearts bursting with joy. Our shared excitement serves as a reminder of the love we share and the incredible journey that lies ahead. We eagerly embrace the beautiful adventure of building a loving family together.
Chapter 17
Lily
Likeallgoodthingsin life, eventually, they have to come to an end. I feel like I’ve been living in some kind of fantasy for the past few months. Blake is the perfect, supportive partner. He’s great with Emma. I completely adore Ethan and Olivia and I have never been closer. I love my new job. I’m glowing with joy from my secret pregnancy and the way my life is going. I feel happy and hopeful for the future and all it holds.
Then Matthew comes along and smacks me right back into reality.
The sight of his name dancing across my phone screen is the last thing that I want to see. I want to ignore it. My life would be simpler if I changed my phone number and I’d never have to think of him ever again, but I know that isn’t the right thing to do. Instead, I swipe the answer button on my phone and bring it to my ear.
“Hello?” I answer, my voice betraying a mix of surprise and apprehension. It feels like a cruel interruption, shattering the harmony I’ve found in my life.
“Hi, Lily, it’s me,” Matthew replies needlessly.
I frown and try to give him the benefit of the doubt. It’s been months since I last spoke with him, and it hadn’t been a nice exchange. I’d said more than a few colorful things after he made plans to meet Emma at the park and then stood us up. He called two whole days later with the excuse of not being in the right headspace to see us. He couldn’t even visit with his own daughter in the park. Then he’d vanished until now.
“Yes, what is it?” I ask, my voice guarded and tinged with skepticism. It’s hard to shake off the memories of the pain and disappointment Matthew had caused in the past. Yet, a part of me still clings to the possibility of growth and change.
There’s a brief pause on the other end of the line as if Matthew is gathering his thoughts, trying to find the right words to express the remorse that has brought him to reach out to me. My fingers instinctively tighten around the phone, anticipation, and caution mixing within me.
“Lily, I…I’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching lately,” Matthew begins, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity. “I want to apologize for everything, for the mistakes I made and the pain I caused. I never realized the gravity of my actions until recently.”
His words strike a chord deep within me, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. It’s a delicate balance between wanting to believe in his sincerity and guarding my heart against further hurt. The scars from the past still sting and aren’t easily forgotten.
Curiosity tugs at me. I find myself asking the question that has plagued my thoughts since his unexpected call, “Why now, Matthew? After all this time?”
There’s regret in his voice as he replies, “I’ve come to realize the importance of taking responsibility for my actions, especially when it comes to our daughter.”
I sigh. “Well, that’s great. But you’re about four years too late,” I respond, irritated with him.
“I know,” he says. “You’re right. I’ve missed out on so much. I want to be there for Emma. I want to make things right if you’ll let me.”
Matthew’s remorseful tone permeates through the line, his words heavy with regret. It’s as if he’s finally come to terms with the weight of his past actions and the impact they had on our lives. In his plea for a second chance, I can sense his genuine remorse and longing for redemption.
“Matthew. This is…” I don’t know what to say.
Caught off guard by his sudden reappearance, conflicting emotions swirl within me like a tempest. The memories of our shared history, the love we once had, and the dreams we had built together resurface, tugging at my heartstrings. It’s a battle between the lingering past and the blossoming future that I’ve found with Blake.
Blake has brought so much joy and stability into my life. I’m reminded that he gives love and support unconditionally. He has become the anchor that grounds me, the foundation upon which I can build a future for myself and my daughter. It’s a love that feels real, safe, and authentic. As much as I want to shut the door on the past and move forward, I can’t help but consider the impact on our daughter. Emma deserves to know her father, to understand her roots and where she comes from. It’s a responsibility that weighs heavily on me as a mother, and I believe that open communication and a shared understanding between her parents are essential for her well-being.
Taking a deep breath, I gather my thoughts, needing to express the concerns that have plagued me.
“Matthew, I appreciate your remorse, but it’s not as simple as just starting over,” I respond, my voice tinged with a mixture of caution. “There’s a lot of pain and mistrust that we need to address. And…I’ve met someone.”
The line falls into an uneasy silence, punctuated only by the distant hum of static. My heart races as I wait for Matthew’s response, unsure of how he will take this unexpected revelation. Part of me wonders if I have crossed a line. If sharing this newfound connection with Blake is too much information for him to handle. He’s always been the jealous type. Though he doesn’t love me anymore, he is still a possessive person. He’s never wanted me to be happy unless it was with him. But I know that honesty is crucial. I owe it to both Matthew and myself to be truthful about the changes in my life.
“Oh,” Matthew finally utters, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and resignation.
I can almost envision the conflicted expression on his face, the realization sinking in that our chance of rekindling what we once had has come to an end.
“So, if you’re looking for anything but a relationship with Emma, then it’s just not possible,” I continue, my words clear and resolute. It’s important to establish boundaries and make my intentions known. Emma’s well-being and stability are my utmost priorities, and I won’t allow any false hopes or misconceptions to cloud our path forward.
There’s a heavy pause as if Matthew is grappling with his own emotions, trying to find the right words to respond to me. I can almost hear the weight of his sigh on the other end of the line, a mix of disappointment and acceptance.
“I understand,” he finally murmurs, his voice carrying a trace of resignation. “I never meant to complicate things further, Lily. I intend to make things right, to be a father to Emma. If that’s all we can build upon, then I’ll respect your wishes.”
His words settle over me, a bittersweet reminder of the past and the present colliding. I realize that this conversation is not only about the potential reconciliation between Matthew and me but also about defining the boundaries of my own newfound happiness with Blake. It’s about protecting the love and stability we have built, not only for myself but for Emma and our growing family.
