Forgiving my Unforgivable Husband

an's

In the rush of the hour, I was stuck in traffic when my phone lit up with a notification. It was a message from my mom. I clicked on it, revealing the content of the message. Mom: Hello dear. I have just been informed about Gwen's return. Have you already heard about it?You know we have to support her right. Her lover abandoned her, even neglecting to provide for her basic needs. Everything she did in the past is now history. Gwen is family. If you can adjust your business schedule and make time for her. Don't forget to add a gift. I glanced at the message, a heavy heave escaped my lips while my gaze shifted back to the traffic which had now started moving. Gwen has always been a childhood friend because our parents were pretty much close. Our relationship took another turn in high school after a lip kiss from Gwen. Relationship with Gwen was impromptu and I never really loved her but she wanted me most of the time and I mostly needed her company. I wasn't really hurt when Gwen eloped with another man; rather what disturbed me was my pride which was rubbished by my father. Decision to marry Gwen began when she accompanied me to a corporate dinner. Gwen's dad,who is also one of our business partners, suggested we marry since we looked good together. Dad started becoming keen on this matter, reminding me of it with the least opportunity till I gave in. Back then, marrying Gwen didn't seem like a problem to me after giving it much thought. "Afterall, I have known her since childhood. Plus dad would be happy with me and probably hand over the presidency to me",I thought to myself and gave in easily. But today, marking my third year in matrimony with Giselle, all these memories flooded my mind. I picked up the blue box which I retrieved from the wardrobe earlier today before my departure. Opening the box revealed a gorgeous necklace which would perfectly suit Giselle's taste. My cork pulsed, pushing harder against my trousers, aching to be freed as thoughts of how I left Giselle sprawl on the bed rush through my mind. She is beautiful. No, she is beyond beautiful. Her full bow shaped lips parted in a seductive manner made me want to tease the corners of those lips with my tongue. Yet, I had to restrain myself and get back to work. In the Walker family, the men were responsible for the corporate world while the women took care of all family issues including family meetings. Today marking my third anniversary, mom was responsible for organizing a family party as a surprise for Giselle but she opted for a small family meeting at Ridged Heights hotel restaurant and promised to take care of everything including informing Giselle about the occasion. Later that evening, I unexpectedly ran into Gwen at the restaurant. She smiled at me, contrasting with my shocked reaction as I wondered what she was doing there. "I thought this was a dinner with dad and Giselle", I turned to my mom, suspecting she was the corporate behind this. " Ah but Gwen is still family! I have already informed you about her bad experience in another country. Have some empathy" she scolded. " Julian, I- I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to ruin your dinner.... I bumped into Mrs. Walker earlier today and she asked me to join her", Gwen replied, but I doubted it was true. However, I just brushed it off. Ignoring them completely, I sat by the table attending to some important emails while they chit chat. Time flew by quickly with no trace of