Chapter 8: A Shoulder To Lean On

The next evening, Grace sat in her car outside her parents' house, her hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles had turned white. She had almost turned around several times, unsure if she was ready to face anyone, let alone her family. But deep down, she knew she needed them—needed the comfort of familiar faces, the reassurance that she wasn't alone in this.

Her parents' house looked the same as it always had. The warm, welcoming lights spilling out from the windows, the smell of her mother's cooking wafting through the air, all of it reminding her of simpler times before everything had unraveled. It was supposed to be a haven, a place where everything could make sense again.

Taking a deep breath, Grace finally stepped out of the car, the cool evening air biting at her skin. As she walked toward the front door, she felt an overwhelming weight in her chest, an ache that only seemed to grow heavier the closer she got to her family.

The door swung open before she could even reach the knocker. Her mother stood there, her face lighting up when she saw her daughter, but the smile quickly faded when she saw the pained expression on Grace's face. Without saying a word, her mother pulled her into a tight hug, the familiar warmth a small comfort against the cold she felt inside.

"Grace, honey, what's wrong?" Is it about Andrew and Sarah ? her mother asked, pulling away just enough to look her daughter in the eyes.

Grace didn't know how to answer at first. The words felt stuck in her throat, as if they were too heavy to be spoken aloud. But then, without warning, the dam broke. She collapsed into her mother's arms, the tears flooding down her face in uncontrollable waves.

"I don't know what to do, Mom," she choked out between sobs. "I can't... I can't believe he's doing this to me. Andrew—he wants to marry Sarah. He... he wants her to be a part of our life, like it's nothing."

Her mother's face softened, a mix of concern and sorrow filling her eyes. "Oh, sweetheart," she whispered, stroking Grace's hair gently. "I'm so sorry. I know how much you've loved him and how much it hurts".

The words, though comforting, didn't ease the pain. The thought of Andrew, the man she had trusted more than anyone, asking her to share him with another woman, felt like a betrayal so deep that she could hardly wrap her mind around it.

"They were my vows, Mom," Grace said, her voice shaking. "He promised me. And now he's telling me that it's not enough. He wants both of us. And I... I can't do that. I won't do that."

Her mother's arms tightened around her, and for a long time, neither of them spoke. Grace's father, having heard the sound of crying, appeared in the doorway, his eyes full of concern. Without a word, he walked over and pulled Grace into a hug as well, his strong arms a steady presence.

"We're here for you, Grace," he said quietly, his voice rough with emotion. "No matter what happens, we're with you."

Grace didn't know what to say. She felt like her world had shattered, and yet, for the first time since Andrew had left, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she had thought.

Her sister, Ella, appeared soon after, a furrowed brow on his face as he took in the scene. Without wasting time e pulled up a chair and sat beside Grace, offering her a bottle of water,

" I can't still believe that Andrew could do this" she said.

"You don't have to make any decisions right now, Grace," her father said, his voice calm and steady. "Take all the time you need. We've got your back, no matter what you decide."

"I don't know if I can forgive him," Grace said, her voice barely a whisper. "How do you forgive someone who's done this to you? How do you move forward after something like this?"

Her mother sighed, her voice gentle but firm. "Sweetheart, forgiveness isn't something you have to give him right away. It's not something you do for him. It's something you do for yourself. But you don't have to forgive him if you're not ready."

"I don't even know who I am anymore," Grace admitted, her voice breaking as more tears spilled down her face. "Everything's changed. My whole life... it feels like it's just gone."

Ella reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay to feel lost right now," she said softly. "But you'll find your way. You're strong, Grace. You'll figure it out, even if it doesn't feel like it right now."

For the first time in a long time, Grace felt a small glimmer of hope. Maybe she didn't have all the answers, maybe she didn't even know what her next step was, but in that moment, surrounded by her family, she realized that she didn't have to face this alone.

Her mother gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. "We love you, honey. And no matter what happens, we'll be right here with you. You don't have to carry this burden by yourself."

"I know," Grace whispered. "Thank you. I... I don't know what I would do without you all."

As the evening wore on, Grace shared the full extent of what had happened—the broken promises, the betrayal, Andrew's desire for a life with both her and Sarah. And though her family's hearts ached for her, they were unwavering in their support. They didn't judge, they didn't question her decisions—they simply offered love and comfort, as family always should.

Later, as Grace sat at the dinner table with her family, her heart felt lighter, even if just by a little. The future was uncertain, and the road ahead would be painful, but she knew now that whatever choices she made, she had people who stood by her.

And that made all the difference.