318: PATHS DIVERGED ARIEL’S POV I held Laura’s gaze steadily, my expression resolute. “I mean exactly what I said. If you’re worried about someone, pay close attention to your own husband. I’m not going to talk too much. But don’t be blind to what’s right in front of you.” Laura’s eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in suspicion. “What are your trying to say about my husband?” “I’m saying that maybe he’s not as innocent as you think,” I replied evenly. “But that’s your business to sort out. Right now, I need to take care of mine.” Without waiting for Laura’s response, I turned on my heel and headed inside the mansion to pack my belongings. As I made my way through the familiar halls, my heart felt heavy with the weight of my decision, but I knew it was the right one. I found Janice in her room, playing with her toys. I crouched down beside her, cupping her face in my hands. “Sweetheart, we’re leaving,” I said softly. Janice looked up at me, confusion flickering in her eyes. “Leaving? But why?” I brushed a gentle kiss against her forehead. “Because it’s time for us to start fresh somewhere else, where we can be happy.” Janice nodded solemnly, sensing the gravity of the situation. “Okay, mommy. I’ll go with you wherever you go.” Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gathered Janice into my arms, holding her close. “Thank you, sweetheart. Let’s go.” With Janice in my arms and my belongings in tow, I returned to the front door, where Laura was still watching silently. I paused in front of her, my heart heavy with unresolved emotions. But this was the right step to take. And I needed to follow through with it, or something terrible might happen if I continued living in this house. “Goodbye, Laura,” I said quietly, my voice thick with emotion. It was for the best. Take care of yourself.” BADLI DIVER Laura remained silent, her expression unreadable, as she watched us leave the mansion for the last time. As I stepped out into the rain, I knew that I was closing a chapter of my life. But I also knew I was stepping into a new chapter filled with hope and possibility with Luke and Janice by my side. Just as I was about to walk further with Janice, Laura halted me and said, “Wait!” I stopped walking and turned around, my hand positioned around Janice’s shoulder. Actually, both of us turned around. Laura let out a deep sigh, stepping closer to us. “You can take one of my cars. I don’t want you both walking in the rain.” My eyes went down to Janice as I held her hand tightly. I turned back to Laura with a smile. “Thank you,” I said. She was now close to me, and I could see pain in her eyes. “Ariel, I’m… I’m sorry.” I hugged her immediately; I could feel the little tears coming out of my eyes slowly, and I could say the same for her. “I’m sorry, too.” Our embrace came to an end, and I held both of Laura’s shoulders, smiling at her. Thank you for everything.” I thanked her in a whisper. She had her hand fixed on my face, smiling at me. “Take care of yourself. “And take care of the little one.” Her gaze went down to Janice, a quick look, and then the eyes fell back on me. “I believe you can handle things really well on your own. But if you ever need help with anything, you just have to know I’m here. Don’t hesitate to call me.” “Okay, I’ve taken note of that. Thank you.” I smiled delightfully at her. Laura nodded, her expression softening as the seconds passed by. “You’re welcome, Ariel. Just promise me one thing.” I tilted my head, curious about what she would ask. “Promise me that you’ll take care of yourself, too,” she said earnestly. “You’ve always been strong for everyone else, but don’t forget to look after your own well–being.” I smiled, touched by her concern. “I promise, Laura. I’ll take care of myself.” With that, I guided Janice towards the car Laura offered, feeling a sense of relief mingled with sadness as we embarked on this new journey. This was an unexpected moment, which turned out to be unexpected. Settling down into the driver’s seat with Janice beside me, I glanced back at the mansion one last time, knowing that although I was leaving behind this part, which would now turn out to be my past, I was also embracing a future full of possibilities. With Laura’s unexpected actions echoing in my heart, I started the engine, ready to drive and make my way to my destination. The rain continued to pour, and its rhythmic beat against the car’s windshield matched the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. With each mile closer to Luke’s mansion, my anticipation and apprehension grew in equal measure. Janice sat quietly beside me, her small hand gripping mine tightly as she stared out at the rain–drenched landscape. I couldn’t help but wonder what awaited us at our destination. Would Luke be relieved to see us? Would he understand why I had to leave Laura’s mansion so abruptly? Well, he would be happy. That was what he wanted, after all. Lost in my thoughts, the minutes stretched into what felt like hours as w we drove through the stormy night. The occasional flash of lightning illuminated the darkened sky, casting eerie shadows across the deserted road. Finally, the imposing gates of Luke’s mansion loomed into view, and my heart. skipped a beat. This was it–the moment where the true family would unfold. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I started calling Luke on the phone. After a tense moment, Luke answered the call. “Ariel, my love. I hope everything’s fine.” Relief flooded through me at the sound of his voice, and I couldn’t help but smile despite the circumstances. “Everything’s fine, Luke. Can you please open the gates?” “You’re outside?” “Yes, I’m outside, and beside me is our little daughter, Janice.” ISTE, PATHS DIVERGED through. As I approached the mansion, I stared everywhere with a fragile smile on my face. Parking the car in front of the grand entrance, I turned to Janice, offering her a reassuring smile. “Are you ready, sweetheart?” She nodded eagerly, not saying a word, but I knew for a fact that she was extremely happy with this decision. Together, we stepped out of the car and made our way towards the mansion’s imposing double doors. Before I could even ring the doorbell, the doors swung open, revealing Luke standing in the entrance hall, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. Without a word, he rushed forward, enveloping us both in a tight embrace. “Ariel, what happened? Why are you here?” Luke’s voice was filled with worry as he pulled back to study my face. “Did that woman throw you out of her house?” Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze, my resolve firm. “I’ll explain everything, Luke. But first, we need to talk.”
