ManyWriters

Excruciating pain engulfed my entire body. The agony was unbearable. I let out a muffled groan as the captor pressed his foot onto my hand. "Why isn't he answering?" one kidnapper growled in frustration. "Are we sure we've got the right person?" another questioned. My chest tightened with anguish. I was torn between wanting Ash to answer and hoping he wouldn't, to keep him safe from harm. A piercing cry escaped my lips as my hair was violently yanked. "What's the deal? Why won't he pick up?" Through gritted teeth, I whimpered, "How am I supposed to know his reasons?"

A Desperate Call

When the finalized divorce documents arrived, I gazed at them momentarily. The pristine pages in my grasp, Ash's name scrawled at the bottom. Our marriage was officially over.


The person who once meant everything to me was now just a concluded chapter. There was no use dwelling on the unchangeable. I had gained my independence.


In the subsequent weeks, I underwent substantial healing, both physically and mentally. Gradually, my strength returned, thanks to the care provided by my brother and father.


During solitary moments, I recognized my true needs. I settled on a decision: a new beginning, far from Ash, Kate, and the constant echoes of my past experiences.


I exhaled, acknowledging the path ahead.


One night, I joined Seth and dad at the dinner table, engrossed in my computer screen before me.


"Ashley, we're eating. What's keeping you busy?" Seth inquired, glancing up.


"I'll be with you shortly," I replied, briefly looking at him over my laptop as I continued my task.


Chapter 12