Echoes of the Past

Chapter 25

The revelation was overwhelming, a tidal wave of emotions crashing over us. Cole was in shock, slumping into a nearby chair. "And now, what shall we do? Should we tell them?"

He looked up at me, his eyes swimming with uncertainty. "Ava, I love them. I've always loved them, even when I thought they were Eric's. And I love you. Nothing's going to change that."

My heart swelled, a mix of love and fear battling within me. I reached out, taking his hand, desperate for the comfort it provided. "I love you too, Cole. But this... this is so much to take in."

He nodded, squeezing my hand tightly. "We don't need to tell them if you think it's better for them to believe Eric is their father. He took care of them. I wasn't here, even though I didn't know at the time."

"Cole, that's not true. You've always helped us in every possible way. You've been there for Eric so many times, providing support, financial help... you've been a father figure to them in your own way." I caressed his face gently, feeling the weight of our situation. "They deserve to know the truth, Cole. We can't keep this from them forever."

The next day, I steeled myself for a visit to James. His abrupt departure from the Bahamas had left a knot of unfinished business between us, and I needed to confront it. As I sat in my car outside the house I once called home, the memories flooded back. It had been nearly two years since I last saw it, each moment frozen in time, each shadow a reminder of the life I had left behind.

I took a deep breath, reminding my resolve. I wouldn't let fear control me. Yet, my legs felt heavy as I walked up the familiar steps and knocked on the door. My heart raced as the seconds ticked by, and then, after what felt like an eternity, the door swung open.

James stood there, surprise etched across his face. "Ava!" His voice was a mix of shock and hope, and I felt a pang of regret as I knew I was going to hurt him again.

"Can I come in?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You know you can. This is still your house," he said, the warmth in his tone abruptly shifting.

Stepping inside, the air felt dense with memories. Everything was unchanged, as if I had never left — the photos on the wall, the familiar scents, the furniture that cradled countless moments. I sank into the sofa, the soft fabric grounding me, yet evoking a sense of longing I couldn't shake.

James lingered in the doorway, his posture tense. "Do you want something to drink?" he offered, but I shook my head.

"No, James. Thank you." I knew small talk wouldn't cut it. "I'm here to take some things."

He stood frozen, his expression hardening as if bracing for a storm. "So, you're sure you're leaving me, right? You want to be with Cole."

His words struck like a punch to the gut, and I looked down at my hands, feeling the weight of my choices. "I'm very sorry, James. I didn't want to hurt you. When Eric died, I thought I'd never be able to love again. When I met you, you were kind, and I felt comfortable. I thought that meant I loved you. I did love you, but it wasn't the same kind of love I had for Eric."

He stared at me, pain flashing across his face. "That kind of love you only feel once in your life, huh? Unless you meet someone who's the exact copy of your dead husband!"

His bitterness cut deep, and I struggled to maintain my composure. "You're right to be angry. I hurt you. I should never have married you when my feelings weren't as strong as they should've been. You deserve more than that, James. I hope Emily can give you the love you deserve."

"Emily?" He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "I don't want Emily. I don't love her!"

Confusion washed over me. "But you're having a baby with her. My mother told me."