Rich Oaks
Lying on my bed, tears streaming down my face, my heart feels like it’s in a vise. Duke’s betrayal has left me broken, my world in pieces. I need someone to talk to, so I call Elsa. I can barely get the words out through my sobs as I tell her everything about my crumbling marriage. All I can do is surrender to the pain, hoping one day I’ll find a way to rebuild.
‘This can’t be real, Aisling,’ Elsa sounds as shocked as I feel.
‘But it is,’ I cry out, my heart aching. ‘Duke actually thinks I’m cursed.’
‘Why would he buy into such nonsense?’ Her voice is laced with anger and disbelief.
‘He’s sided with his family. He’s always been with them,’ I admit, feeling utterly betrayed.
‘Then why let you go through all this if he thought you were cursed?’ she asks, trying to make sense of the madness.
‘That’s the point. Do you see it now?’ I say, the realization deepening my despair.
‘It’s just horrible,’ she says, her disgust echoing my own.
‘I don’t understand his logic,’ I murmur, lost in my confusion.
‘What are you going to do now, Aisling?’ Elsa’s voice is full of worry.
‘I can’t continue with the IVF,’ I state firmly, a sense of finality in my voice.
‘Good. You shouldn’t. I won’t let you go back to Dr. Jones. I’ll be there to stop you,’ she says, her loyalty clear and strong.
‘And I don’t see a future in our marriage anymore. The happiness is gone. His whole family is in on this. I don’t know who to trust,’ I confess, feeling the last of my hopes crumble.
‘Heather probably doesn’t know. She’s always upfront with me,’ I say, trusting in my friend’s honesty.
‘Yeah, Heather wouldn’t keep this from you,’ she agrees. ‘It’s good you found out before starting the IVF. Now you can decide what to do next.’
‘I’m not going through with it,’ I declare, feeling a sense of empowerment in my decision.
‘Do you need me there? I can fly out to be with you,’ Elsa offers.
‘No, it’s okay. My mom’s coming, and I’m planning to leave tomorrow,’ I tell her, appreciating her readiness to support me.
‘Just don’t go back to the Estates, Aisling,’ she cautions.
‘I won’t. I just need to pick up a few things,’ I assure her, eager to distance myself from the source of my pain.
Elsa’s warning chills me. ‘Don’t risk it. Duke might be there, trying to make amends or worse.’
‘He won’t be there,’ I say, though a part of me doubts.
‘Don’t underestimate him, Aisling. He’s got resources and might do anything now,’ she warns.
‘I’ll be at my mom’s. It’s safer,’ I decide, craving the comfort of family.
‘Or come stay with me in Montecito. He won’t find you here,’ she offers generously.
‘I’ll think about it,’ I reply, touched by her kindness.
‘Has he tried to contact you?’ She asks.
‘Do you mean Duke?’ I need to be sure.
‘Yes, Duke,’ she clarifies.
‘I doubt he’ll call me ever again,’ I admit, feeling a deep sense of resignation.
‘Aisling, you need to hear this. You have to be brave enough to leave. He was almost with another woman. You didn’t misunderstand. You caught him in the act. His tears are just an act,’ she states emphatically, her voice strong and unwavering.
‘You’re right,’ I concede, the harsh truth of the situation sinking in.
‘He’s chosen his family over you. You can’t trust him, Aisling. Leaving will take courage, but it’ll set you free,’ she continues, her words both a comfort and a challenge.
‘You’re right,’ I repeat, knowing in my heart she speaks the truth.
As I blow my nose, the reality of my situation hits me hard. ‘All this time, his family has probably been mocking me. I went through four IVF cycles, and I was about to start a fifth. How naive I’ve been.’
‘I feel for you, Aisling. It’s just so cruel,’ she responds, her voice full of genuine empathy.
‘His grandmother, can you believe it?’ I ask the shock still fresh.
‘I always thought she was on your side,’ Elsa replies, her voice filled with disbelief.
‘No, she’s just like them. She’s been deceiving me all along,’ I confess, the sting of betrayal sharp.
‘Why would she do that?’
‘They all believe I’m cursed,’ I say bitterly, the anger in my voice rising.
‘What did your mom say about the curse?’ she asks, looking for some clarity.
‘She said it’s not true. But I need to find out for myself. I feel so lost, Elsa’ I admit, tears threatening to spill over once more.
As I break down, Elsa’s voice is a steady presence. ‘You should definitely look into it.’
‘I’m going to use every bit of strength I have to uncover the truth about this supposed curse,’ I declare, my resolve firming.
‘And I’m here to help you with that,’ she offers, her support unwavering, a steady light in my storm.
