ASHLEY

For the following week, we had a set routine: Isaac goes to work, I visit with my mom. My mom was discharged after a couple of days but I still stayed with her and looked after her while she was home alone.

I never had the chance to even think about what my mother had told me about Isaac. Did he know he was adopted? Should I be the one telling him?

Nothing happened between Isaac and I so far, but when his hands lightly brushed up against my body when we slept, I just wanted his lips on mine. 

I still hadn't forgotten the girl he was with. I decided to let it go for now. It was before we got married, I tried to convince myself. If I catch another mistake, I would end it, no matter the contract.

Derek knew about my mother's situation, and he had no problem allowing me a month off. I was so lucky and privileged. 

My mom and I were crying to The Notebook this particular night. We had just eaten dinner and my dad was in his study. The movie ended and my dad laughed at our tears. My mom got annoyed with him and it was my turn to laugh at them.

I grabbed my stuff and kissed them goodbye since it was time for me to get home. Although Isaac and I never really talked about it, we had mutually agreed subconsciously that we would both be home no later than 9. 

Before I left, my dad ran after me to let me know that he wanted to do something special for my mom tomorrow. I was sad that I wouldn't get to see her since I had become used to the routine but happy for my parents. After years, they still had the same love for each other, if not more. 

Our house was close to my parents' house, so I was home within 15 minutes. I got used to the house, and comfortable to call it our house. It didn't feel like marriage, but rather two housemates sharing.

We engaged in small talk if we had opportunities but never really talked for more than 10 minutes.

I dropped my stuff and laid down on the couch in the living room, spending time on my phone.

I looked at my texts and saw a message from Samantha. She had sent me a picture of people at a cafe. It looked like Isaac and the same blonde woman. She asked me if I knew about her because they seemed really close.

Not knowing what to text back, I decided to wait for Isaac. I looked at the time, it was almost 9. He better not be late on the one day I need him to be here.

Soon enough, I heard the door open. I stood up and waited for him by the entrance. He looked up at me and gave me a light smile. He looked exhausted but I was not sure what exhausted him: work or something--someone-- else.

"Good evening. Have you eaten?" he asked, putting down his stuff and taking off his jacket.

"Good night. I always come home full since I eat at my parents, if you hadn't noticed this past week."

"Everything alright?" 

I smiled and walked up to him, holding the phone that showcased the picture.

"Are you serious?" I asked.

He looked at me and back at the picture.

"I mean, care to explain? I promise I'll listen. And you better not give me some bullshit excuse. I told you you could do whatever you wanted as long as you kept it discreet and hidden from other people. What did you tell me? You wanted us to happen. So, please explain. I'm listening."

"It was nothing more than lunch."

"Why did you have lunch with her when you know I'd get mad."

"Why are you mad, Ashley?"

"Why am I mad? Are you kidding? You know how this makes me look? I stay with you even though the whole world learns that you're having affairs with others and cheating on me."

"Like I said, it was only a one time lunch."

I shook my head and walked out. I didn't believe a word he said. I let him explain, but I sill didn't trust him.

Walking into our room, I grabbed my pillow and headed for the living room. I didn't want to be close to him tonight.

"Are you hurt?" Isaac asks as he enters our room, blocking the door.

"Yes." I found myself saying without thinking.

"Ashley, I promise you nothing happened."

"I don't believe you."

"How could you even think anything happened between us when I'm so crazy about you?" he blurted.

I looked up, confused.

"Do you know the things I want to do with you? To you?" he whispered, leaning closer to me.

"I held off for a week because I wasn't sure if you'd want to do anything with your mom still recovering. I had so much planned for us on our honeymoon. I get excited when your leg brushes my leg, the touch of your skin is enough to get me aroused. Ashley... do you know how much I want you?"

I breathed heavily as I stared into his eyes full of desire. How could I stay mad at him when I felt the very same things as him?

He took one final step and cupped my face with his hands. Then, he leaned in. And I didn't stop him.