Page 231 of From Rivals to I Do

When I finally stand to leave, Henry blocks my exit, his eyes filled with accusation. "Maya, don't go," he pleads, his voice wavering.

I crouch down to his level, cupping his face in my hands, my heart breaking at the anguish in his eyes. "Oh, sweetheart, it's just for a few days," I say, my

voice quivering. "I love you so much, and I'll be back before you know it. This is my way of figuring things out so that I can be the best mommy for you."

His small hands grip mine tightly as if trying to anchor me to this place. "Promise?"

A lump forms in my throat, making it difficult to speak, but I manage a weak smile. "I promise, my love."

His small arms wrap around me, forgiving and unconditional. "I love you, Maya. I'll be waiting for you."

Tears stream down my cheeks as I release him, my heart aching for the pain I'm causing. I turn to Jackson, my voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. "Please try to understand, I’ll be back as soon as I have everything sorted out within me."

With a heavy heart, I bid them both farewell, my eyes lingering on Jackson's pained expression before turning away. As I walk out the door, the weight of

this moment presses upon me, amplifying the turmoil within. My footsteps echo in the hallway, a dissonant soundtrack to the ache in my soul. As much as

I realize I need this space, I feel like a failure. Jackson and Henry have already been hurt by the passing of Emily, and now I am leaving them, they deserve

so much better.

The commute to Maria's place is a blur of restless thoughts and fragmented memories. I stayed with her after the fire ravaged my former building before

the renovations were done. My fingers fidget with the strap of my bag, the nervous energy radiating through my every movement.

As I arrive at Maria's doorstep, a sense of familiarity washes over me, offering a glimmer of comfort amidst the storm of emotions. The door swings open,

revealing Maria's warm smile and outstretched arms, ready to welcome me into a space of solace and understanding.

"Maya! Oh, it's so good to see you," Maria exclaims, her voice filled with genuine joy and concern. "Come in, come in. Is everything all right? You sounded a bit somber over the phone."

I step over the threshold, my eyes scanning the cozy living room. The air is infused with the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and soft music plays in the

background, lending an atmosphere of tranquility. I take a deep breath, gathering the courage to share the weight that burdens my soul.

"I'll tell you about everything in a moment," I say.

As we sink into the plush couch, Maria's eyes, vibrant with curiosity, meet mine, beckoning me to share the burdens that weigh heavily on my heart.

"Well, there's something you need to know," I begin, my voice a delicate tremor betraying the vulnerability I feel. "Jackson and I... we got married...". Within I realize that I like the sound of those words.

A surge of delight washes over Maria's face, and she springs up from the couch, her joy contagious. She enfolds me in a tight embrace, radiating pride and excitement. "Oh my goodness! Why didn't you tell me?" she exclaims, her voice brimming with genuine happiness. "I'm so proud of you. But... why are you here? Did Jackson have to travel suddenly?"

I shake my head, a mixture of relief and trepidation intertwining within me. "No, he's actually in town," I respond, carefully choosing my words. "It's just that... we've been going through some difficulties lately."

A flicker of surprise dances across Maria's face, her brows knitting together in concern. Leaning closer, her voice a gentle murmur, she inquires, "Oh, really? What happened? Are you okay?"

Drawing in a shaky breath, my gaze fixates on a distant point, as if seeking guidance from unseen forces amidst the tangled web of emotions. "It's been a challenging time for us. We're trying to find our footing as a family, particularly with the added pressure of Jackson's mother-in-law intruding on our lives and constantly questioning my place."

"His mother-in-law?" Maria interjects, her voice coated with curiosity.

I nod, a hint of weariness creeping into my expression. "Yes, Jackson's late wife's mother. She keeps inserting herself into our lives, scrutinizing Jackson’s

parenting, and she makes me question my worth. We had a recent encounter, and it was... truly terrible. I know she lost her daughter, and I want to be

understanding for everyone. I genuinely believe Emily was a beautiful soul, but I cannot help how all this is affecting me. Is it wrong for me to feel this

way, Maria?”

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