Broken Beyond Repair: To Win Back my Ex-Wife

I pace around our large living room, waiting for my husband, Hudson, to return home. I'd been suffering from morning sickness and stomach bugs for a few days, so I went to the doctor today, and he gave me the best news I'd hoped to hear for a long time. And now I'm dying to tell Hudson about it.

I squeal when I hear Hudson's car horn signaling security to open the gates. I walked over to the couch, ready to break the news to him.

After a few moments, Hudson enters the mansion with a smile. When I see his smile, I automatically smile back. But it fades as I notice a woman with him. They are both wideeyed as she speaks. I grab their attention by clearing my throat. The girl's eyes widen when she sees me, and Hudson's lips form a smirk. What is he smirking about? Hudson softly slips his arm around her waist, drawing her close.

'What the hell is happening?' I furrow my brows in rage, but he smirks at me. He brings the woman to the guest room without saying anything, and she drops her head down.

Is this some joke? Is he trying to make me jealous, or what? It irritates me rather than makes me jealous. After a few moments, Hudson returns downstairs.

"What the hell is that, Hudson?" I exclaim.

"Don't talk to me like that, you whore." He says, his words tearing my heart. He just referred to his wife as a whore.

"I want you to leave my house and return to my office tomorrow to sign the divorce papers." He says this while pulling two classes from the cabinet.

"Divorce? "What are you talking about, Hudson?" I was almost out of words. My heart is slowly breaking into pieces.

"I said it loud and clear. Is there anything you don't understand?" He yells in my face. I take a breather. He never yelled at me, let alone spoke rudely to me.

"Why didn't you just tell me to leave you alone if you wanted to be with him? Why? Because you wanted to take my money? Tell me, you whore!" He yells.

"What are you talking about? I don't understand anything from what you said." I exclaimed loudly.

"Axel. I noticed you hooking up with him behind me!" He gives a snarl.

"What? Do you have any idea what you're talking about?" I yell.

"Axel is my very best friend." I continued.

"You look pitiful pretending to be innocent." He sighs and rolls his eyes.

"Listen, I never cheated on you. That is something I would never do to you or anyone else. Hudson, you know how much I love you." Tears begin to fall from my eyes.

"Everything is clear to me. You dumped me!" He states.

"No! I did not!" I exclaim. Something unexpected happens. Hudson raises his hand and smacks me hard enough to leave a mark. I glance at him with a blurred expression as tears fall again and again.

I can handle the scathing remarks and accusations, but not this. He assured me he would never do something like that. He swore it. He knows everything about my past and uses it against me. This was not something I expected to happen.

Hudson's eyes widen as he realizes what he has just done, yet they are filled with rage. In shock, my mouth is open. I try to speak, but nothing comes out. His actions had rendered me dumbfounded.

Without saying anything further, I walk inside our bedroom. I take the suitcases from the walkin closet. I gather my belongings and shove them into the two bags. When I'm finished, I leave the closet with my suitcases.

I throw them on the floor and gaze around the room where we both have fond memories. The room where we first had our first kiss. The room where we had our child. I sob as I place my hand on my stomach.

My child...

I shake my head, pick up my suitcases, and exit the bedroom. I pull the bags down the stairs while staring at the photos of us on the wall. Pictures of our first date, in front of the Eiffel Tower, at our wedding, our first kiss as wife and husband, our honeymoon, and many more with family and friends.

Hudson is wrapping his arm around the woman's shoulder, and she is wrapping her arms around his body. He stares me in the eyes and kneads her temple. My heart breaks over and over as he looks at her the way he used to look at me. I don't say anything while they stare at their faces. I go towards the door, looking back at the house where I spent four years. I push the suitcases out and open the door.

A hand wraps around my wrist as I walk out, and I turn to see Hudson. Even today, his touch burns me. I need to understand how he does it. My gaze meets his but is impersonal. Didn't he love me all along? Didn't he believe me?

"I want you to come to my office tomorrow." He says this before letting go of my hand.

"You're going to have to sign the divorce papers."

"Okay." And with that, I walked out of the house and his life.

Five years have passed since that nightmare had happened. It is still vivid, but I chose to move forward.

"Mommy!" Aria, my little darling, is sitting on my stomach, and her voice wakes me up.

"Mom, hurry up! It's the holiday season!" Jayden, my little prince, exclaimed. They are both overjoyed because it is Christmas, and they will open gifts today. I chuckle as I open my eyes and glance at my children, who are beaming with joy.

"Merry Christmas, babies." I stand up. I kiss their foreheads, and they embrace me in a warm embrace. We remain in this position for a few minutes before Jayden pulls away.

"Merry Christmas, Mommy." They say this and kiss my cheeks, and I immediately smile. Jayden and Aria... They are my bundles of joy.

"Come on, Mommy, let's open the gifts right now!" They both burst out laughing.

"Hold your horses, gentlemen. Before you open your gifts, your grandparents and aunt's family should arrive." They sulk as I say this. "Let's get started. Yeah?" I inquire, and they nod before we get out of bed and begin our morning routine.

My family has been here for about an hour, and we just opened our gifts. We are all sitting on the couches now, with the women conversing and the males playing with the children.

"Daddy, I am sleepy." My sister's kid, Jaxon, says to Ezekiel.

"Come on over here, sweetie." Ezekiel pulls her into his arms and lays her across his chest. She shuts her eyes and falls quickly into a deep sleep. I gaze adoringly at both of them. Chloe is fortunate to have a spouse who adores her and their child. When I think of him, tears well up in my eyes, but I quickly blink them away before anyone notices. My mother excuses herself to go the restroom, and my sister begins speaking.

"Why don't you try calling him?" Chloe rests her hand on my shoulder, and I know she notices the tears in my eyes.

It's been five years since Hudson and I divorced, five years since he abandoned me when I was pregnant, and four years since my children were born. Without Hudson, I was entirely alone, broken, unhappy, and despondent. Despite having my parents and sister, I felt lonely.

But everything changed after my children were born. Everything.

I needed to be tough for them. I tried to be strong even though I felt vulnerable. I turn to face my children, who are happy as they play with my father. I always want to make them happy and make them smile.

I turn to face my sister, who is staring at me, waiting for my response. I shake my head slowly from left to right, indicating a 'no.'

"Okay. Suppose that's what you want. But don't you believe he has a right to know?" She inquires.

"He doesn't deserve to know," I say with no emotions.

"But he's their biological father." She grumbles and rolls her eyes.

"And so? That day, he wouldn't even let me tell him. He was preoccupied with his girlfriend. Without knowing the truth, he accused me of cheating. When I tried to explain, he slapped me." I held back a sob.

"He has no right to know. They are not our children. They are mine." I cry.

I realize I've been so loud that everyone is gazing at me. I rush off the couch and dash into my room, locking the door and sliding against it. I bury my face in my hands and sob inconsolably. I recall signing the divorce papers at his office on that day.

Five years ago...

I enter the Davis Incorporated through the big doors and proceed to the elevator. I navigate to the 30th floor, which leads to his office. Everything was good when I was here a couple of days ago. But everything has changed now.

Last night was unexpected and terrifying. I had no idea what to do when I walked out of his mansion. I sobbed as I sat on a park bench. I peered into nothingness, convinced that everything was a nightmare.

As a result, here I am. I came here to sign the divorce papers because he wanted me to.

When the elevator doors open, I walk over to Layla, Hudson's personal assistant, who looks up to see me.

"Ma'am?" She expresses amazement. She says, "Mr. Horan is in a meeting." I clear my throat and begin speaking.

"He" A very recognizable voice cut me off.

"It's all right, Joannah. I invited her to join me here."

"I'm going to sign the divorce papers."

His gaze pierces mine.

He's dressed in my favorite navy blue suit, a white shirt on the inside, and formal pants that match his suit. He is pretty attractive. No! Don't think that way! I caution myself. I used to think this was too wonderful to be true while we were still in a relationship. And he realized it now. I am insufficient for him. He deserves more.

Silence falls over us as people stop strolling and gaze at us with their jaws agape wide. They are taken aback. Even I am taken aback.

Hudson enters his office, leaving the door open for me to enter. I gaze at Layla, who has wide eyes and parted lips. I force a grin at her and walk into his office.

I shudder as the cool air from the central air conditioner touches my body. Is it the situation that has me shivering? I'm still determining. The woman from last night is sitting on the couch, where I typically sit, and a man sits in Hudson's desk chair. It's probably the lawyer.

"Babe?" I look up when Hudson calls. My heart breaks even more when I realize he is calling the woman.

"Can you please wait in the other office while I deal with her?" He asks, and she smiles and nods. Hudson returns her grin and kisses her before walking to his seat. With a sneer, she gathers her handbag and passes past me. I stare at Hudson with teary eyes, and he looks back at me without emotion. At all. He slowly bobs his head towards the chair, silently inviting me to sit. Again, I do what I am told.

"Hello, Mrs. Horan." A guy approached me.

"Miss Baker," I say, my gaze fixed on Hudson. His gaze meets mine, but I turn away.

"Um...apologies, ma'am." The man swallows and clears his throat. "My name is Cameron Adams. I am Mr. Horan's attorney." He says to me, and I nod slightly.

"So...shall we...um...start?" He's tense. I nod to him once again.

"Miss Baker will have no claim to Mr. Horan's property. She will not see him again after today. She will avoid the paparazzi and the media. She will only be given a hundred thousand bucks." He completes his sentence.

"Do you have anything else to say, sir?" He asks Hudson, who nods his head. I nod as he repeats the inquiry to me. Hudson and Mr. Simmons exchange glances and head nods.

"I do not want anything from him. Nothing, not even money." I say. The lawyer nods and works on the paper. Hudson and I lock our gazes at each other.

"Okay. Everything has been completed. All you have to do is sign them."

He hands me a pen and the papers I take with shaking hands. I stare at Hudson, but he doesn't seem to see me. He's smiling and typing on his phone. I shake my head, knowing he won't stop or allow me to tell him the news. As a result, I signed the documents. The lawyer then presents the papers to Hudson, who signs them without hesitation.

"I'll send the papers to the judge." The lawyer then stands up. He gathers his belongings, shakes Hudson's hand, and nods as he walks to the door.

"How come you didn't ask for anything? I expected you to want more." Hudson says after the lawyer leaves.

"I don't need anything. We'll be fine." I glance at him, hoping he understands what I mean.

"We? Do you mean you and Axel?" I shake my head in frustration as he asks aggressively. I startle him by abruptly standing up and retrieving my bag.

"Don't expect me to forgive you if you realize your mistake and return to me," I say, walking away.

"I will never, ever forgive you." He snaps, and I don't turn around.

This time, I truly stepped away from his life. I'm never going to look back.

Present Time

Tears rush down my cheeks as I recall that fateful day. Behind the door, I hear soft voices.

"Mommy? "Can you please open the door?" Aria's voice comes to mind. I immediately brush my tears away before opening the door. I immediately wrap my arms around Aria and Jayden and squeeze them tightly.

"I love you. I love both of you." I speak to them in hushed tones.

"We love you, too, mom." They both say the same thing.

"Hey, darling!" Axel squeals and wraps his arms around my shoulders, pulling me into his embrace.

"Axel." I chuckle and returned his hug.

"How was the break?" He asks, taking a step back. He walks over to the couch and sits down, taking his phone from his back pocket.

"Good...I suppose. How about you?"

"It was fantastic. It was nice to spend time with my family. I went to my boss's house for dinner and a charity gala on Friday. You should make your presence known." I laugh while he rambles.

"I would rather not." I'm laughing. Is he for real?

"You ought to. We can also discuss your job with my supervisor." He states.

It's finally Friday, and I'm preparing for the charity ball. Yes, I agreed to accompany Axel to meet his boss.

I put on a kneelength black dress. I curled the ends of my hair before attempting a successful hairstyle. I applied some light makeup. Before heading downstairs, I put on my gold heels and one more check in the mirror.

"Aria! Jayden! Could you please come downstairs?" I call the kids, and I hear footsteps rushing downstairs within seconds.

"Wow, Mommy. You look good." Jayden exclaims, and Aria nods in agreement.

"Thank you, guys," I say.

"Let's go right now. "I'm running late." I continue, and they put on their shoes. Obedient. My parents will watch my children while I attend the ball. And all four of them are ecstatic.

The three of us walk to my car, where I buckle them into their seats and take the wheel. I press the gas pedal, start the motor, and drive into the traffic. Looking in the mirror, I see them both doing something with their hands. My children, unlike other children, get along well.

The first of the twins, Aria Baker. Like her father, she has brown wavy hair, light skin, and gorgeous oceanblue eyes. She's stunning, sweet, and compassionate. Even though she is just four years old, she greatly assists others. But when she gets angry, it's a different story.

Jayden Baker, the twins' younger brother. I'm not even going to try to describe him. He looks just like his father, except with brown eyes. He's frighteningly similar to his father. He's only four, but girls are already swooning over him. He appears more sophisticated than his sister and says things a typical fouryearold would not say. But he's a real sweetie.

After bringing the kids off at my parent's house, I drove to the address Axel gave me to attend the charity ball.

The ballroom is packed, and only a few people are dancing while loud music plays in the background. I attempt and fail to spot Axel amid the crowd. I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see a man with curly hair. He's pretty tall and handsome. He gives me a toothy grin, revealing his dimples. I return the smile.

"Hello. My name is Brooks Colton." He says this while holding out his hand. I hesitated before shaking his hand.

"Hazel Baker," I say. I turn away from him and come across Axel. I approach Axel without saying anything to the man behind me. He stands up and greets me as soon as he notices me.

"What the hell happened to your phone? I've been calling." I step back from him.

"Hello to you as well." I roll my eyes as he says this cynically. "You know what I mean?" Your eyeballs will fall out if you do that again." He says, and I roll my eyes once more.

"Well, no, they didn't." After an extended period, we both busted out laughing.

The following halfhour flies by as I meet Axel's friends and coworkers. They're all pleasant, and having them around is enjoyable. I recognize one of them as the man I met when I arrived here. Brooks was his name. Right? Everyone is talking except Brooks, staring at me, or simply staring.

"You look beautiful." He states.

"Thank you so much. You, too." I smile and move away from Axel. I could improve at chatting with males if they're close friends or family.

"Hazel" Brooks's voice is cut off.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce Mr. Hudson Davis, our special guest tonight." And my heart stops, says the man with the microphone.

Hudson Davis. Hudson Davis. Hudson Davis

"Hazel? Are you all right?" Brooks inquires, his hand resting on my shoulder. I was unable to respond to him. I'm too stunned to speak or even move.

I return my gaze to the man who broke my heart five years ago. I adored him without reservation—the man who betrayed me. I still have feelings for him.

He's dressed formally in a white buttonup shirt and black dress pants. He's wearing a tie and looks much better than I remember him. He's laughing and waving to the cheering crowd.

"Hazel?" Brooks calls again, this time shaking me.

"I need to leave," I say something, but it just comes out as a whisper.

"But it's only just started." He states.

I start running out of the crowded ball. As I run into them, some people curse at me. I'm not even sorry. All I want to do is get out of here. I hear Brooks calling my name, but I ignore him and exit.

I take a deep breath as I lean against the brick wall in the parking lot. Unwanted tears begin to flow from my eyes and down my cheek. I cup my hands about my face and start to son. Why am I crying at all? Why am I squandering my tears on him?

I can't believe I just witnessed him. After all these years, I see him while attempting to move on from him and his memories. What if he noticed me? Oh no! That is not possible. He shouldn't be able to see me. He shouldn't do that.

"Hazel!" Someone shakes me and pulls me out of my thoughts. I raise my head to see Brooks. Why can't he leave me alone!?

"Are you all right? What happened?" He inquires, his hand still resting on my shoulder. Angrily, I pushed it away.

"None of your business," I yelled at him and walked towards my car.

"Hazel?" I hear it again, and my heart sinks into my stomach as I turn around to holler at him. It's not Brooks, but it's the only man I've been afraid to meet.

Hudson.

Hudson's Point of View

I put on my white shirt and black dress pants that I had packed for this charity ball to which I had been invited. I tied a tie around my neck and buttoned my shirt, leaving the top button open. I love my hair in a quiff as I leave my room in New York City's most costly hotel.

Roman Enterprises, owned by one of my pals, is hosting the charity gala. After much deliberation about whether or not to go, I chose to go. After all, I paid a lot of money for it.

The black R8 is waiting for me at the hotel's entrance, and I walk out the hotel's doors. My driver, Carson, opened the door for me, and I slid in. As Carson began to drive, I took out my phone. I noticed a text message from my mother.

Mother: Please call me back, honey. Please.

I disregard the text message and check my email. A new email from my assistant states she has scheduled a meeting with Jace, my friend, for this Friday afternoon. Jace is both a friend and the COO of my company. He handles business with Asian countries. I respond to her, then turn off my phone and gaze out the window at the lights of New York City.

"Sir, we are here." After a few minutes of the car ride, Carson says, and I nod. He exited the car, walked around, and unlocked my door. Cameras flash as I get out of the car, blinding me for a split second.

"Mr.Horan!" I can hear folks yelling my name. I come to a halt and wave at them before going inside.

Mr. Carter greets me and gives me a halfhug. His wife also hugged me, and I nodded.

"Welcome, Mr. Horan." They both say the same thing.

"Am I running late?" I inquire, even though I don't mind being late.

"No, no. It's only just begun." Mr. Carter claims. I give a quiet nod.

"Let's go?" He directs the procession to the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you all. Mr. Hudson Davis, our special guest tonight," a man exclaimed. People cheer for me, and I wave back.

I look around at the various types of people in the crowd. A few couples are kissing and dancing while others are conducting business. My gaze is drawn to a man with curly hair jogging behind a woman in a short black dress. I hear him calling her by name, but I'm unsure what it is. As a good human, I exit the stage, apologize, and walk behind the curly man. Going behind them is just an excuse to get out of here as soon as possible.

"Are you all right? What happened?" I hear something on the other side of the wall and go that way.

"None of your business." The young lady snaps at him. Feisty. The voice looks familiar, and my heart skips when I see who it is.

"Hazel?" Unsure, I say.

She looks around, her expression filled with rage. But her beautiful brown eyes widen when they meet my blue orbs. Her lips open as though to utter something, but nothing comes out.

I discovered her, the love of my life. I found the person whose heart I had broken. I finally found her.

Hazel's Point of View

I'm unsure what made me do it, but I rushed away. I raced away from him, away from the circumstances I dreaded. I fled.

I'm unsure how long I ran, but I'm seated on a park bench. Why did he have to return? Why did he have to reenter my life? Why? I burst into tears. You're a weeping wreck! My subconscious lashes out at me. My phone rings, and when I glance at the caller ID, I see it's Axel. I ignore it and stare into space, but my phone rings. After a few moments, it stops, and I receive a message.

Where are you, Hazel? Please get in touch with me.

I started walking back to my car, ignoring the text once more. I have to go to my parents' house to pick up Aria and Jayden.

Oh my God!

What if Hudson discovers them? Will he deprive me of them? Fear grips my throat as the thought alone sends shivers up my spine. He wouldn't do something like that, would he? Will he take my children away if he discovers he is the father?

No!

I hurriedly return to my car, and relief sweeps over me when I notice Hudson and Brooks aren't there. I hurriedly got in my car and drove to my folks' place.

I park the car in front of the home and hurry inside. When I get to the door, I knock until my mother opens it.

"Hello, honey. How" she begins, but I cut her off and walk past her into the home in pursuit of my children.

Jayden and Aria are seated close to my father on the couch, watching a cartoon. When I walk in, they notice me and rush over to me. I kneel to their level and firmly put my arms around them as if they were going to be taken away from me. No!

"Mommy? Are you all right?" Jayden asks as he moves away from me. I suddenly notice tears streaming down my cheeks, and he wipes them out.

"I'm okay. Shall we go back home?" I inquired, and they nodded.

"Honey? Is everything okay?" Dad inquires.

"I'll tell you later, father. All I want to do is go home and rest." I sigh. He nods, clearly interested in what's going on with me. Mum doesn't say anything either, which makes me quite happy.

When I returned to my house, I put both kids to bed. I keep staring at them even after they've fallen asleep. I'm frightened they won't be there when I wake up if I close my eyes and go to sleep. Is it going to happen, or am I overreacting? I sigh.

"I love both of you. I can't imagine living without it. You're my only chance at happiness." I murmur to them, knowing they're not listening. I leave the room after kissing their foreheads.

Back in my room, I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, remembering him. Why did I notice him? Why did I attend the ball? Why did I allow Axel to drive me there? What caused all of this to occur?

I tossed and turned all night. Even though I was restless, I couldn't sleep. I just stared at the wall or the ceiling, imagining all the different scenarios that might bring us together. I finally fall asleep after a lot of tossing and turning.

Morning comes quickly, and I awake with a headache. It's Saturday, and you have the day off. Thank you, God. I turn to look at the alarm clock on the nightstand, and my eyes widen as they settle on the clock. Nobody awakened me at noon—neither my children nor my maid. I rush out of bed, complete my morning routine, and proceed downstairs.

Aria and Jayden sit on the couch, watching TV and eating cookies my maid cooked.

I say, "Hey, guys." They both put down their forks and glance up at me. They're both quiet and for a short moment, I'm concerned.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I inquire as I make myself at ease close to them.

"Look at who's up." I turn around when I hear a voice and see Axel. What on earth is he doing here?

"I came here to see if you were still alive!" He yells at me. Did I say that out loud?

"Yes. You did it." He states. Uhoh.

"I'm sorry, Axel. I couldn't stand him." I sigh.

"You could have answered the phone or responded to the text." He sighs again and sits on the couch's armrest. "I was so worried." He says this while wrapping his arms around my shoulders.

"I'm okay." I smiled at him.

"Did you try to talk to him?" He inquired.

"No."

Silence enveloped the room.

"Okay. I have to go now. I'm relieved now that I know you're okay. However, I have plans with Violet. So I'm going to leave." He does a lot of rambling.

"Okay, okay. Now go. Have fun while staying safe." I say the last bit quietly because my children are around. He chuckles carelessly and gets off the couch. He kisses the children's heads, then mine.

"Bye. Be cautious." He says this as he walks out of the house.

The afternoon is spent watching television with the kids and working on my computer. Oh, and I work as an interior designer. I only assist my boss with his business and design a few residences. It's entertaining, plus it helps me pay my bills.

I bake cookies with the kids in the evening. I chuckle as they both have flour on their faces.

"Mommy! You're making fun of your prince." Jayden says to me, furrowing his brows to appear angry, but he's so cute!

"Jayden, you are not a prince. Ryder is a king." Aria says in a 'duh' tone, and I laugh.

"Am I not a prince, mommy?" Jayden sighs.

"Of course, you are a prince, my baby," I say, and he smiles from ear to ear before sticking his tongue out at his sister. I make fun of both of them. They both come with me.

The doorbell interrupts our laughter, and I wash my hands before going to the door. The doorbell continues to ring. Who in the world is that?

"I'm coming!" I yell and accelerate my pace. I see the last person I expected to know when the door opens. I don't want to see this individual. My heartbeat quickens, and the morning's tension returns.

"Didn't expect to see me here, did you?" He grins.

"Missed me?" He inquires and moves closer to me. I take a breather.

"What exactly are you doing here?" I inquire of him. He locks his gaze on mine. I'm perplexed since his eyes convey so many different emotions. He appears melancholy, as if he is regretting something, and as if he is weak.

"Hazel, I" He begins but is cut off by a small voice.

"Mommy?" Aria enters the living room, where Hudson and I are standing. When I notice them both looking at each other, my eyes widen. "Hi, my name is Aria. It's a pleasure to meet you." She smiles shyly at him and approaches me, gripping my leg.

"Did I say it correctly, Mommy?" she inquires.

"Yes, baby," I say as I take her into my arms.

"Didn't she just call you Mommy?" Hudson's eyes are wide with sadness.

"Yes. She did it. Have a problem?" I yelled at him.

"How could you possibly do this to me, Hazel? Don't you feel bad about it?" He asks clearly.

"Can you and your brother go to your room, baby? I'll be there in a few moments." I tell Aria. I don't want my children to witness a fight. She nods, and I place her on the ground. Jayden emerges from the kitchen a few minutes later, and they both walk upstairs to their room. I turn to Hudson once I'm sure they're inside. His brows are wrinkled, and he appears to be irritated.

"What do you want, Hudson?" I inquire.

"First, respond to my inquiry. Why did you do whatever you did? Was I not enough? Didn't I make you happy?" He inquires loudly.

"Keep your voice down!" I become agitated. "Five years later, you still believe that. I didn't do anything and didn't need to prove it to you because, honestly, who are you?" He sighs as I make my poker face.

"I know you didn't do anything." I furrow my brows as he speaks gently. "The pictures that I saw were....fake."

Pictures? What images?

"The pictures that made me think you had cheated on me." He says that as if he could read my thinking. It bothers me that he can read me like an open book. That is highly infuriating.

"I don't care, Hudson," I say, turning away from him. His fingers wrap around my wrist as he pulls me closer, causing me to clash with his chest. My heart is pounding, and I know Hudson can feel it against his. I struggle out of his grasp, but it only makes him tighten his grip on me. His arm snakes around my waist, drawing me closer, if possible.

"Let it go, Hudson," I say firmly.

"Not ever again." He states. His breath fanned my cheeks, and his perfume enveloped me.

"Leave me alone!" I say. He lets go this time. I was angry with myself for being disappointed when he let me go.

"Have you moved on? How come you didn't wait for me?" He inquires.

"I didn't move on!" I notice that I am crying.

"You have two kids!" says the mother. He yells. I remain silent, and he appears to realize something. Oh no!

"Tthey are....are tthey...mine?" I turn away from him while he stutters, validating his point. He grabs my arm firmly, and I wince. When he turns around, the sadness in his eyes is replaced by anger.

"You didn't even bother telling me?!? I am their biological father!" He yells. Because of his rage, tears well up in my eyes. It brings back memories of that day.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He inquires once more. I release my grip on his hand. I look at him in the eyes and begin to speak.

"Did you allow me?" Did you let me tell you the most exciting news we've both been waiting for?" I inquire, and he remains silent.

"No. You didn't do it. I felt accused of cheating when it was you who was doing it. I had no idea where I had gone wrong." I sob, and he remained mute.

"Over the years, I've tried to put myself in your shoes and consider what I did. I assumed it was my error that had jeopardized our relationship. I laid the blame on myself. I'm still unsure what I did to make you think I was cheating." I can't stop crying. He strides forward, but I step back and raise my hand to make room.

"No. Keep your distance." I indicated to him with my finger.

"They are my children." And if you try to enter my life and take my children away from me, I will not even"

"Why should I take them from you? I want you all in my life!" I start laughing as he says this.

"It's already five years too late, Hudson," I say.

"I know. I know I messed up horribly! But please allow me to make amends!" He says as he takes a step toward me. I raise my hand and request that he stop.

"No," I say. He began to talk, but I cut him off.

"Leave me alone. Please simply leave." I cry.

"We'll talk about it again." He states. He approaches and kisses my brow. I move my gaze away from him. "All that matters to me is you." Those final words before walking out the door and all the tears in my body flow.

"Mom?" A faint voice awakens me. When did I go to sleep? I open and close my eyes quickly, hiding my eyes from the intense morning light. I open them again after a few seconds and notice Jayden standing in front of me, perplexed. When I raise my head, my neck aches, and I realize I'm in the living room. My neck hurts like hell. I'm sitting on the floor, arms crossed on the couch, wearing yesterday's clothing.

"Mom? What are you doing sleeping here?" Jayden inquires, and I'm at a loss for words.

"Um... I had some work to do and ended up sleeping here." I'm unsure, but he nodded. I exhale a breath of relief.

"It's Sunday today. So we're going out for breakfast." He moans. I'm not in the mood to go out for breakfast, but it's our Sunday ritual, and I can't say no. He'll be irritated.

"Girls are so lazy." He says, and I stare at him wideeyed.

"What exactly did you say?" I pretended to be angry. He smiled mischievously as he gazed at me.

"You and Ari are both so lazy, Mom." I instantly wrap my fingers around his arm and draw him to me, he says. He ends up on my lap, and I begin tickling him. His laughter permeates the room, brightening my mood and making me smile from ear to ear.

"Say you're sorry." I insist. I know it's childish, but I'm only thirtyone.

"Ssorry." He says this between laughter, and I come to a halt. I burst out laughing, and he pouts. "Now, come on. I'm starving." He continues to pout.

"Is Ari awake?" I asked him and got up from the floor, holding him in my arms. He shook his head.

"That's exactly what I said. Girls are lazy." He states. I narrow my eyes at him, and he apologizes instantly. I make fun of him.

"Go wake her up and request that she brush her teeth. I'll go get your clothes." I say as I put him down. He nods and dashes into their room. I go to my room and get ready. I choose children's clothes. Jeans and Tshirts will suffice. After getting ready for myself and the kids, we headed to the cafe nearby, where we typically go. I take my seat after making sure they're both comfortable.

"Hello, Hazel." Paisley, our regular waitress, introduces herself.

"Good morning, Paisley." I give her a kind smile. She greets the children, who return her greeting. She requests our orders, which we comply with. Jayden requested pancakes, Aria requested egg toast, and I asked for coffee and pancakes.

"Mommy?" Aria says as we begin to eat, I was drinking my coffee and nodded at her.

"A man was in our house yesterday. Who was he?" My heart skips a beat as she asks. Jayden pulls the water glass towards me as I choke on my coffee. I consume it.

"Hhe... Hhe's an old friend." I lie.

"Oh." She says as she continues to eat. My heart rate accelerates dramatically. What if they discover he's their father? Will they abandon me for him? No, no. They wouldn't do it.

"Mommy, I need to use the restroom," Aria murmurs in my ear, jerking me out of my reverie. I nod and assist her in getting out of the chair. She's so familiar with the area that she walks there without me. Jayden and I briefly talk about a girl at his play school.

Aria has yet to return after a few minutes. We finished our breakfast and are now waiting for her. What happened to her? As a mother, I was concerned that she was taking so long, so I stood up and began to make my way to the restrooms, but then I noticed her tiny figure returning. As I see who accompanies her, my heart races for the second time since we arrived at the cafe.

"Mommy, I met your friend near the washrooms." She says this while pointing at Hudson. She's holding his hand, and he's staring at me. I remain silent and nod to her.

"Hello," Hudson murmurs, his gaze fixed on me.

"That's Jayden. He is my brother." Ari tells Hudson.

"Hi, Jayden," Hudson says as he looks at him. Jayden smiles at him.

"Um... Well, um... Let's get started. I've got some work to do." I take Ari's arm and drag her away from him. I almost feel awful for him when I see the hurt on his face. I hurriedly paid the bill and gave a tip before gathering my belongings and the kids and leaving without looking at him.

I buckled the kids into their seats and moved toward the driver's seat, but I was stopped. When I looked up from the ground, I saw Hudson. I tried to walk around him, but he grabbed my wrist and spun me around.

"Hudson" I begin, but he cuts me off, as he always does.

"We have to talk, Hazel." Please get in touch with me." He says as he passes me his business card. I yank my hand from his grasp and shatter the card before hurling it at his chest. I moved to my seat, turning away. I close the doors and turn on the engine.

This week has been dramatic. My thoughts were always focused on one individual. I can't stop thinking about him, even if I don't want to. He even appears in my nightmares. His blue eyes mock me. I couldn't even focus on my work.

"Aria! and Jayden!" I called the kids to distract myself. They are the only ones who can make me feel better.

"Yes, Mom?" Jayden explains.

"What do you guys want for lunch?" I inquire.

"Chicken cheese sandwich!" said the waiter. Jayden screams. When I turn to face Aria, she's already nodding.

"Okay, then." I begin preparing lunch.

While I prepare the food, Jayden continues to talk while Aria remains silent. She was coloring cartoons in her book, and I imagine she was in another universe. But she also seemed a little off, and I began to worry. I was about to ask what was wrong with her when Jayden interrupted me.

"Oh, mother! I nearly forgot. Tomorrow is a parent meeting at the school." Jayden explains.

"You really should be there." Jayden also included. Aria raised her head to me as if she wanted to ask me a question but couldn't.

"I will be there." I made a promise.

"Everyone else is going to come with their mommy and daddy." But we're both going with just mommy." Aria emphasized, "only."

It has arrived. The predicament in which I am required to answer the children's questions concerning their father. Their father broke their mother's heart. The father refused even to tell him he would be a father. The father who abandoned us just when we needed him the most. The father's name.

"Yea. Because we don't have a father figure." Jayden says to Aria, but they both glance at me with...I'm still determining. Eagerness? Hope? I'm still determining. I had sandwiches for the kids and turned away, pretending to clean something. When I return to get some juice for the kids, they are both still staring at me, their plates untouched.

"Eat your food, guys," I say.

"No," Aria says, crossing her little arms over her chest. I narrow my eyes at her, but she maintains her angry, hurt expression. I sigh. "Everyone else in the school has a father, but we don't." Jaxon, too, has an uncle named Ezekiel. We are without a parent. "How come, Mommy?" Her eyes well up with tears as she asks. My eyesight becomes blurry as tears well up in my eyes. The last thing I want is for my children to cry.

"II'm not sure. Perhaps God thought that good children only required a mother." I lied. Hazel, are you serious? Does that make sense to you? My inner voice snarls at me.

"Really?" Aria wipes her tears away. I approach her and cup my hands around her face.

"Yes, my darling." I kissed her on the cheek.

I was busy at work the next day. A large corporation requires interior design, and we all work hard on it. If this project is successful, I will be promoted, and my income will be increased. And due to this work, I could not attend the meeting at the kids' school. They will be irritated.

"Hi, Hazel." I turn around when I hear a voice. My eyes expand as they come to rest on Brooks. What exactly is he doing here?

"How are things going for you?" He asks and takes a seat in front of me.

"Hi. I'm okay. What exactly are you doing here?" I ask.

"I came here to see you." He says this and tries to put his hand in mine. I drew my hand away, as did he.

"For what?" I inquire sternly. Brooks is a really attractive and wellmannered man. But that's it; I wouldn't go any further.

"Will you come on a date with me?" He stutters, his eyes bright.

"No." I put on a stern expression and responded to him right away. He lets out a sigh.

"You see, Brooks. There are hundreds of girls available; go try them out. It's not going to happen to me." I stand up and leave my office, leaving him at my desk.

In the evening, I called Axel and told him everything that had happened today.

Axel suggested, "Give him a chance."

Is he dead serious? I pondered. He claims to know me better than anyone else. He knows I only have one true love. I sigh and let it go. I have to get the kids. I shut the doors and walked to my car. After arriving at the school, I park the car in a parking area, get out, and lock it. I walk into the school and approach the receptionist. Her eyes are narrow as she stares at me, which is odd.

"Hi, I'm here to pick up Aria and Jayden Baker," I tell her.

"But, ma'am, they were already picked up." Her brow wrinkled, she says.

What?

As soon as I hear the words coming out of her mouth, everything around me comes to a stop. My eyes are going crazy and my tongue is parched. I have the impression that I am suffocating. I turn my head to see the woman seated at the desk frowning as she looks at me with her eyebrows raised.

"What do you mean you haven't seen them here?! I am the only one who can retrieve them! I yell at her quite loudly.

"I know. However, he said that you instructed him to go and collect them, and Aria mentioned that she is familiar with him and that he is your friend. She protects herself.

"He? It was a male, right?" I enquire. "Does he have light brown hair or blonde hair?"

"Yes." She is responsive. When my phone starts vibrating in my pocket, I take it out to check for new messages.

Unknown, I suggest we talk right now.

And I am fully aware of their identity. I am brought to my knees, and in the process, I drop my phone. I can't stop the tears from falling out of my eyes, and I start sobbing. He stole my children from me and ran away. The lady who was working the front desk approaches me.

"Madam, we really ought to call the police." As she puts it.

"No! No. I am aware of who it is. It's okay. Thank you." I then step up and speak. She gives a slight nod before returning to her previous location.

After arriving back at my residence, I take out my cell phone and dial the unidentified number. I can make out the voice of the automated system announcing that the line has been disconnected. As I sit on the couch, I ruminate over the various means by which I might get in touch with Hudson. After only a few minutes, my phone starts to ring. I choose without examining the contact beforehand and go ahead and pick.

"How are you doing today?" His tone of voice has a sneer to it, and I can hear it.

"Hudson, could you kindly. I beseech you. Just let them go, would you? I cry.

"Hazel, please know that I tried to be kind with you. However, you insisted on having this. Exasperated, he says while heaving a sigh.

Hudson, you absolutely must not do anything to them. I will do anything you wish. Please don't do anything to hurt my children. I cry. After a brief pause with no sound, he begins speaking after a few seconds had passed.

"Do you consider me to be that beneath you? Would I intentionally hurt my own children in some way? How could you possibly believe that, Hazel? The final phrase is yelled out by him.

"I never in a million years would have guessed that you would do this, but you did. And at this point, I have no idea what you are going to do. As I speak, my voice is becoming increasingly hoarse and cracked.

After a ride of thirty minutes, the driver pulls over in front of a hotel and stops the car. He leaves the room and opens the door for me before I even get a chance to do so. Another man approaches, takes the car away, and the driver ushers me inside while he does so. Who were you looking for? Carson. Yeah.

"This way ma'am." He then says something while pointing to the elevator. He waits while pressing the thirtysecond floor elevator button. The doors swing open, and we make our way down to the ground level. He shows me the door, then knocks on it as we enter the room. After only a few seconds, the door swings wide, revealing a man who is completely unfamiliar to me. Carson and the other man exchange a nod, and then the other man opens the door all the way.

The room is stunning, both inside and out, with extremely tasteful decor and a breathtaking panorama. I fix my attention on the view from the French window and find myself momentarily disoriented.

"Like the view?" When I hear his extremely recognizable voice, I immediately turn around to face him.

I inquire of him, "What is it that you want me to do?"

He proposes with, "Marry me." I just nod my head in silence. His eyes widened at first, then they quickly contracted again. "Do not misunderstand me." He says again.

"I will sacrifice everything for my children." I want to place particular stress on the terms.

"I claim them as my own as well." He yells at me, and in response, I roll my eyes.

My next question to him is, "Where are they?"

"Inside." After hearing what he has to say, I quickly turn away from him. When his fingers encircle my wrist, I am unable to move in any direction. "Before you see them, we need to talk."

"I can't proceed until I've seen them." I try to say it, but my voice is shaking. The expression on his face changes as a surge of emotion passes through it, and he appears guilty. Hazel, don't let yourself be fooled by this! My subconcious mind is trying to warn me. I know. I am well aware that he is relishing the agony that I am causing him in his mind.

"No. "Starting with some talk." He says. I heave a sigh and then I sit down on a stool that is located next to the sofa. "All right, you're going to have to marry me once more and relocate to England with me. You are obligated to explain my identity to the children. I acknowledge what he is saying with a nod. It is recommended that they change their surname. He continues, and I just nod in agreement. He tells you to "say something."

"I shall carry out all of the tasks that you assign to me. But keep in mind that despite the fact that I may be your wife legally, I will never again be your wife in real life. The children have been and will continue to be my top priority during this entire process. I say. Do not anticipate that I will be the kind of woman who is completely devoted to her spouse and who loves him without conditions. I move by him, and he gives me permission to do so this time.

Aria and Jadyen are currently watching an episode of SpongeBob together on the large couch that is cream in color. As I make my way to the couch, both of their eyes shift to look at me. They both give me a warm smile before jumping off the couch, which causes the popcorn to fall all over the floor. I get down on my knees and bring both of them in close to my chest. I sob my heart out and embrace my loved ones tightly. Jadyen steps back and cups my face in his teenytiny hands while he does so.

"What on earth took place, mommy? Why are you shedding those tears? He asks.

"Guys, I have to talk to you about something important." Because of my anxiety, my voice is shaking.

They both ask in unison, "What?"

"You....Hudson, I..." is what I'm saying to you. I stutter. They are both looking at me in anticipation, waiting for me to finish whatever it is that I want to say. Hudson comes over and kneels down next to us after he has joined us.

"Hudson...HHudson is yyour Ddad." I say it, and the expression on their face immediately changes to one of complete surprise.