10
After a period of hard work, my efforts finally paid off, and I published a new academic report. That day, my professor organized a celebration banquet, and my colleagues had even hung a banner to mark the occasion. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and joy. Holding the flowers from Amy and Mia, I couldn’t help but smile from the heart. It was probably the happiest day I’d had in years.
As the event wrapped up, I stepped out of the hotel, surrounded by well–wishers, feeling light and carefree. But to my surprise, I spotted Gavin and Barry waiting for me outside, both holding
flowers.
Gavin approached me quickly, his expression a mix of awkwardness and urgency. “Freya,
congratulations!”
Barry chimed in, surprisingly sweet, “Mom, you’re amazing!”
His tone was so casual, as if we were still a family, as if all the hurt hadn’t happened. But while they could pretend, I couldn’t.
Gavin took a cautious step closer, his voice soft and tentative. “Freya, can we have dinner together tonight, just the three of us?”
Barry, fiddling with the hem of his shirt, looked up with a shy expression. “Mom, I really miss you. Please come home with us.”
I couldn’t help but scoff, retorting, “What will it take for you two to disappear from my life for
good?*
My bluntness made them both shift uncomfortably, Gavin dropped his bravado, finally showing a hint of vulnerability. “Freya, I know I’ve hurt you and Barry has too. You don’t want to see us right now, but we were married for ten years. You can’t honestly believe you’re ready to throw all that away. There are some misunderstandings that I really need to clear up.”
If only he’d said these things sooner, maybe we wouldn’t have ended up here. But now, it was
too late.
13:06 Tue, 24 Dec Mer
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I took a step back, shaking my head. “Gavin, I don’t love you anymore. Don’t flatter yourself.
here are no misunderstandings between us. Just cold, hard facts.”
Panic flashed across Gavin’s face as he stepped in front of me, desperate to keep me from eaving. “Freya, please let me explain. I swear, there’s nothing going on between me and Lisa. I’ve >nly ever seen her as a friend. I shouldn’t have left you waiting in that storm. I promise I’ll never
nake you feel that way again.”
I gently pulled his hand away and looked off into the distance, shaking my head again. “It’s
not just about that one storm.”
3
In the ten years I spent with Gavin, there had been countless storms, each one leaving me
pore battered than the last. It had washed away any love I once had for him, leaving nothing but
scars. I wouldn’t be foolish again.
Gavin’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of
desperation in his gaze. “I’m sorry. I was a je*k. I didn’t appreciate you when I should have. Please, forgive me. This family can’t function without you.”
The absurdity of it all made me want to laugh. This late realization of his feelings felt utterly
cheap.
Barry stepped forward, tears in his eyes, echoing his father’s plea, “Mom, I know I messed up
too. It’s all my fault. Please forgive me and Dad. I promise I’ll never complain about your cooking
again, and I’ll appreciate all the little things you do. You’re the most important person in my life.
Without you, I’m not happy at all.”
Gavin quickly jumped in, trying to prove his loyalty. “Honey, if you
the company fire Lisa right now. She won’t ever come near us again.”
don’t believe me, I’ll have
I stood there, unmoving, watching him try so hard to clear his name, looking like a clown in
the process.
Just then, I heard Lisa’s voice approaching.
