Page 227 of From Rivals to I Do

The silence of the night is broken only by the sound of my own ragged breathing. I close my eyes, seeking refuge from the tormenting whispers that

linger in the air. But even in the darkness behind my eyelids, the haunting echo of her voice reverberates, a constant reminder of my inadequacies.

Minutes bleed into hours as I lie there, caught in the grip of my own self-doubt. The tears flow freely, tracing a path down my cheeks, each one betraying

the heaviness in my heart. They soak into the fabric of my pillow, mingling with the anguish that stains my soul.

Morning arrives, and the sun timidly peeks through the window, casting gentle rays of light upon the room. But there is no warmth in its golden embrace. Instead, dawn only serves to highlight the cracks in my fragile façade.

I rise from the bed with a heavy heart, my footsteps tentative as I make my way through the house. The atmosphere is charged with an unspoken tension,

like a taut wire ready to snap at the slightest provocation. The air hangs heavy, pregnant with unexpressed frustrations.

As I enter the kitchen, the clink of dishes and the aroma of brewing coffee assault my senses. But even the familiar comforts fail to ease the restlessness

within me. Every sound grates against my senses, setting my teeth on edge. I struggle to find my footing amidst the storm raging inside, my emotions threatening to spill over like an overflowing dam.

Jackson approaches me, his brows furrowed with concern, his eyes searching for a connection. His lips curl into a gentle smile, a feeble attempt to quell the storm in my heart.

"Good morning, Maya," he says, his voice a soft melody in the midst of my internal chaos. "Did you sleep well?"

I scoff, unable to mask the bitterness that coats my words. "Sleep well? How can anyone sleep well with the weight of the world on their shoulders?"

His smile falters, but he presses on, determined to break through the fortress of my anguish. "I know you're going through a difficult time, Maya. But we're in this together. Let's try to support each other."

The words, meant to offer solace, only fuel my frustrations. I glare at him, my voice dripping with resentment. "Support? That's easy for you to say, you

have been dealing with Margaret for years. You know her and know what to expect. I am sorry Jackson; I am not used to being treated this way and think

it is so unfair. She has not given me a chance to prove that I can love you and Henry.”

Jackson's eyes widen, hurt etching lines on his face. "Maya, I'm trying my best here. I want to help you, but you're pushing me away."

"Well, maybe I wouldn't have to push if you were actually listening," I retort, my voice sharp enough to cut through the fragile silence. "I am not trying to push you away, that is the last thing I want to do, but Margaret’s voice keeps ringing in my ears”.

His shoulders slump, defeated. "I'm sorry if I can't fully comprehend your pain, but I'm here for you, Maya. We're a team, remember?"

His words chafe me further, and all I want is to get him out of my sight. But before I can leave, Henry enters the room all set for school, his innocent eyes brimming with joy.

I look at him, my patience already worn thin, and find myself unable to see past the haze of my own frustrations. He spills a glass of milk as he rushes forward to greet me.

"Henry, you have to be more careful and pay attention to what you are doing" I snap, my voice sharp and cutting, the sting of my words aimed directly at his tender heart.

His bottom lip trembles tears well up in his eyes, and my heart splinters into a thousand pieces. Guilt washes over me, drowning out the anger that fueled my outburst.

"Oh, Henry, I'm so sorry," I whisper, moving closer to him. "I didn't mean to snap at you. It's not your fault. Please forgive me." I reach out to him, desperate to undo the damage I've caused, but he recoils, retreating into a corner where the pain of my words cannot reach him.

"I did not mean to spill it,

Maya. Why are you being so mean to me” he whispers, his voice fragile and filled with hurt.

"Maya, what's gotten into you?" Jackson's voice carries a mixture of concern and anger. He glances at me, his eyes searching mine for answers.

I clench my fists, trying to rein in my emotions, but they slip through my grasp like sand. "I don't know, Jackson!" I yell.

Jackson takes one look at me and turns away with Henry holding firmly to his hand. I grip the edge of the working top and sigh. What have I done? Three

drops of tears fall to the surface and just then, I hear the front door slam shut. Jackson and Henry left for work and school respectively. I feel so guilty for

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