Page 229 of From Rivals to I Do

Chapter Thirtheen

As the sound of the front door opening echoes through the house, signaling Jackson and Henry's return, I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing

heart. I hear their excited voices and the quick pitter-patter of Henry's footsteps approaching. I want to greet them with the same warmth and

enthusiasm, but the weight of my own turmoil dampens my spirit.

The next moment, they enter the room, their faces alight with anticipation, their joy contrasting sharply with the heaviness within me. Henry rushes

toward me, his small arms outstretched, a beaming smile on his face. "Maya!" he exclaims, his voice filled with innocent delight. He seems to have

forgotten all about what transpired in the morning. Children—what tender hearts they have.

I manage to smile, though it doesn't reach my eyes. "Hey, sweetie," I say, my voice tinged with weariness. I pull him into a gentle embrace, savoring his

warmth and the pure love radiating from him. But even his presence, usually a source of solace, can't fully chase away the shadows that cling to my

heart.

Jackson's eyes search mine, his brows furrowed with concern. "Hey, are you still moody?" he asks, his voice filled with a mixture of hurt and worry. I feel

ashamed to look him in the eye after how I acted in the morning.

I struggle to find words; my throat is constricted with emotion. My gaze flickers between Jackson and Henry, the ache within intensifying. Finally, I gather

the courage to speak, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to talk with you, Jackson. I found---------I found open alcohol bottling throughout the

house, are you drinking Jackson? I slowly lead Jackson into the kitchen, and point at all the bottles, awaiting an explanation that will soothe my heart.

“Maya, I do not know how to tell you this” Jackson tries to respond, but in my frustration. I abruptly cut him off “Tell me what Jackson? That you are an

alcoholic, oh let me guess those bottles were Emily’s?” Jacksom speechless reaches for my hand “Maya please let me explain.”

I take a deep breath and sadly say “I am all ears, Jackson; I am all ears.” Jackson takes a long sigh within, and tears start to slowly flow down his cheeks.

“Maya, when Emily passed away, I thought I would die. Had it not been for Henry, I would have just given up. I hate to admit this, but I did start drinking

nonstop. Maya, please try to understand, at that time, it was the only way I could make it from day to day.” With tears continuing to flow down his face,

“Maya I am so ashamed, but please believe me. I have stopped drinking. It took me some time, but I realized Henry needed his father, not a drunkard dad, I swear I am sober and have no desire to drink.”

I am so disappointed my heart is sinking within for Jackson. I can feel his sincerity and pain, but that does not change the fact he has not been honest with

me, I thought our relationship was different and open. “Jackson, I cannot express how hurtful this is for me, why did you withhold this from me? I would

have still loved you the same. Nobody is perfect and I understand you loved Emily and losing her was awful for you and Henry. I wish you would have

trusted the love I have for you and let me in. Is this the reason Margaret harasses you the way she does”? Jackson drops his head, and the tears continue

to stream down his face, he silently and ashamedly nods his head. I feel so sad for him but cannot help but wonder, am I a calculated project? “So, was this whole fake marriage thing a part of a strategy just to cover your tracks for Margaret, was any of it real?” Jackson passionately grabs me within his arms, tears steadily following and with remorse expresses “Maya, I love you. I knew the day I held you in my arms in that fire, I loved you. I am so sorry for not being honest. I was ashamed, but I promise I have stopped drinking. I do still go to classes for support, but that chapter in my life is over, you must believe me.”

Embraced within his muscles and emotions, I stare him in his eyes “Jackson most of the bottles are dusty and it was obvious they have not been opened

for a long time.” I sigh heavily and point at the one bottle where the dust has been wiped off and the cap untightened. “Why does this bottle look like it’s

been opened recently, if you have stopped drinking, Jackson?”

He pulls me closer, glides his hand down my face “Maya, the day you left, I did consider it, but I could not even pour it. I was so ashamed for even thinking

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