Page 232 of From Rivals to I Do

Maria's hand reaches out to grasp mine, her touch warm and reassuring. In that simple act, she offers a lifeline, a connection that soothes the ache in my

soul. "I hate seeing you go through this," she says, her voice filled with empathy. "It's not easy to navigate such complex family dynamics. But I want you

to remember that you are strong and resilient. You deserve happiness and respect."

Tears shimmer in my eyes, reflecting the flickering candlelight as Maria's words wash over me, carrying a glimmer of hope. "Thank you," I whisper, my

voice laden with gratitude. "Your words mean more to me than you'll ever know."

A moment of silence settles between us, punctuated only by the soft hum of the air conditioner. "And... there's something else," I confess, my voice

quivering with a blend of disappointment and vulnerability. "My recent paintings... they didn't sell. The art show I had been eagerly anticipating... it got

canceled."

Maria's eyes widen with genuine sorrow and her hand tightens around mine, offering a steadying grip.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she murmurs, her voice a tender caress. "Your art is extraordinary, a reflection of your soul's journey. I can only imagine how devastating it must be to see your creations go unnoticed. Your paintings carry a profound beauty and meaning that transcends the confines of a gallery or a price tag."

Her words envelop me, and I release a shuddering breath, allowing myself to lean into Maria's unwavering support, basking in the sanctuary she provides.

"I know," I reply, my voice laced with a mixture of sadness and determination. "It's just... it feels like a blow to my self-worth. I poured so much of myself into those paintings, and to witness them go unnoticed feels like a personal rejection."

With a tender squeeze of my hand, Maria conveys her understanding, her eyes filled with unwavering compassion. "I understand, Maya. It's natural to feel

disheartened but don't let this setback define your worth as an artist or as a person. Your talent and your resilience will guide you through this, just as

they have in the past."

A heavy silence blankets the room, carrying the weight of unspoken emotions.

"So what about Henry?" Maria asks, breaking the silence.

"He is devastated by my leaving, and it broke my heart to walk out on them, but I needed to clear my head and think about the recent happenings. I also

found myself being impatient with him and he just does not deserve that.”

"I know this must have been really hard for you. I'm glad you came here; I'm here for you. Whatever you need, just let me know."

Chapter fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

The memories of missing Emily and drinking uncontrollably begin to flood my thoughts, and the regrets become overwhelming. I grab a trash bag and

start gathering every alcohol bottle I can find and dispose of them all in a nearby dumpster. Walking away from the dumpster was one of the most

rewarding feelings I have had since Emily’s death. As I walk back in the house, I can’t help but miss Maya’s presence. The night hangs heavy around me as

I sit on the couch, my heart burdened by a grief that seems to have become a constant companion. The house is filled with a deafening silence, a void that

echoes the ache within my heart. Maya's absence hangs heavy in the air, a palpable absence that seems to seep into every nook and cranny. Henry sits on

the couch with me, his small frame hunched over, tears silently streaming down his face. His sobs are like whispers of grief, and I can't help but feel a

pang of guilt for failing to shield him from the pain once again.

"Daddy, when is Maya coming back?" he asks, his voice quivering with a mix of longing and uncertainty. "Did she leave because I snapped at her, just like Mommy left us?"

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