Painful desire

"Are you and Ash okay?" my mom asked, I nodded and smiled bitterly.

"Of course, he's sweet and gentlemen" I answered, mom smiled at me.

If they know what Ash wants from me, they might keep me away or force me to file for divorce, that's what I don't want to do because I love him so much no matter what pain he puts me through.

After I went for a walk, I first went to the cemetery and visited my grandmother, she was the only one I told about my problem when I was a child, but she was taken away.

I knelt down and lit a candle on his grave.

"I'm here grandma" I started and took the dry leaves from her tombstone.

"So you know why the first question you always ask me is, am I okay? Actually, I'm not okay grandma," I said weakly.

After all, there's no one and I'm alone here in the cemetery, I'm free to drama now, chos!!

"Then you'll ask me, why and what is the reason why I'm sad, grandma? My answer is about a-ashton"

I feel like a fool talking to the grave but it doesn't matter.

"When mom finds out what Ash always wants in the mansion, I'm sure she'll force me to file a divorce so don't tell her, I love him so much I don't want to lose him grandma....I love him so I can handle it" I smiled bitterly.

"Oh it's a handkerchief"

I looked behind me and my jaw almost dropped now.

"A-Ash.."

---

"Are you and Ash okay?" my mom asked, her concern evident in her voice. I nodded, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.

"Of course, he's sweet and a gentleman," I replied, hoping to quell any suspicions. Mom's smile reassured me momentarily, but beneath the facade, fear gnawed at me.

If only they knew the truth about Ash's desires, they might intervene, urging me to distance myself or worse, pressuring me to file for divorce. But I couldn't bear the thought of losing him, despite the pain he inflicted.

After excusing myself for a walk, I found solace in the cemetery, where I sought counsel from my late grandmother, the only one I had confided in as a child before she was taken from me.

Kneeling before her grave, I lit a candle, the flickering flame casting shadows on the worn tombstone.

"I'm here, grandma," I began softly, brushing away dry leaves. "You always asked if I was okay. The truth is, I'm not okay."

Alone amidst the silent gravestones, I allowed myself to speak freely, unburdening my heart to the one person who had always listened without judgment.

"And then you'd ask why I was sad," I continued, my voice trembling. "It's about Ashton."

Feeling foolish yet strangely liberated, I poured out my fears and insecurities, confessing the secret that weighed heavy on my soul.

"When Mom learns of Ash's true intentions in the mansion, she'll demand I leave him," I confessed tearfully, my heart aching with the prospect of losing him. "But I love him too much to let go. I'll endure whatever pain comes my way."

As I wiped away my tears with a trembling hand, a rustle behind me caused my heart to skip a beat.

"Ash..." I stammered, turning to face him, my emotions laid bare before him in the flickering candlelight.