Betrayed by fate

27- A broken promise

I couldn't help but feel a heavy sadness gnawing at my heart as I stared out at the bustling city streets. It had been six long years since Letum, the king I once loved, had promised to find me in the human world. Yet, here I was, still waiting for him, realizing that his words were nothing but empty lies.

Ash, my son, now six years old, played innocently by my side. His laughter filled the air as he chased after a butterfly that danced on the gentle breeze. Despite all the pain and disappointment, he was the one silver lining in my life, the unexpected gift from a love that had turned sour.

I had managed to secure a job as a seamstress, which allowed me to provide for both myself and my child. It was a simple life, one filled with hard work and routine. The days blurred together, each one a reminder of the unfulfilled promises that haunted my thoughts.

As I sewed diligently, my mind wandered to the men who had tried to court me, hoping to be the one to bring joy back into my life. But their advances were met with polite declines. My heart remained locked away, shielded from the possibility of further pain. Love had betrayed me once, and I wasn't willing to risk it again.

"Mommy, look what I found!" Ash exclaimed, interrupting my thoughts. He stood before me, his small hands clasped tightly around something. Curiosity twinkled in his eyes as he extended his hands, offering me a carefully crafted necklace.

I took the delicate piece from his hands, my fingers tracing the intricate details. It was a pendant shaped like a heart, adorned with colorful gemstones that sparkled in the light. Tears stung my eyes as I looked at my thoughtful son.

"Ash, this is beautiful," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Where did you find it?"

"I saw it in a shop window," he said, his smile widening. "I knew you would love it."

In that moment, something shifted within me. Despite the pain and heartache that had consumed me for so long, I realized that love had found its way back into my life, in the most unexpected form. Ash's sweet gesture had reminded me that there was still beauty and goodness in the world, even when faced with broken promises.

I gathered my son in my arms, holding him tightly. "Thank you, Ash," I murmured, my voice trembling. "Thank you for reminding me what love feels like."

From that day forward, I made a vow to cherish and protect the love that had blossomed between us. Ash became my reason to keep moving forward, to believe that happiness could be found even in the most unforeseen circumstances.

As the sun set over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow upon our little house, I felt a newfound sense of hope. The wounds of the past may have scarred me, but they had also taught me the resilience of the human spirit. And with Ash by my side, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would face it together.