Her Awakening

Chapter 17: Shelter in the Storm

The taxi ride to her parents' house felt like a journey through time, memories swirling in Melissa's mind as she gazed out the window at the quiet streets. She remembered every trip back home as a child, when this same road felt safe, comforting. But tonight, as she arrived at her parents' house, it was different. The familiar warmth of her childhood home couldn't shield her from the heartbreak weighing heavily on her chest.

When she walked through the front door, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Her parents were waiting for her in the living room, their faces etched with concern and worry. The soft glow of the lamp illuminated her mother's tired eyes, and her father, who always seemed larger-than-life, now looked drained of energy .

Melissa sighed, her legs trembling as she headed upstairs to check on her twins. They were fast asleep, curled up under the covers in the bedroom they always used at their grandparents' house. The sight of their peaceful faces, so innocent and unaware of the chaos surrounding them, brought fresh tears to her eyes. She leaned down, pressing gentle kisses on both Melody and Markie's foreheads.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "More than anything."

With one last glance, she pulled the door shut and made her way back downstairs to the living room, where her parents waited anxiously.

She sat down on the couch, folding her hands in her lap as she struggled to find the right words. After a deep breath, she let it all out, her voice steady but strained. "Joshua's been unfaithful," she said, her heart pounding as she revealed the truth. "With Emmadale."

Her father let out an angry, pained sound, his hand trembling as he covered his face. Her mother, stoic and calm in most situations, was visibly upset.

Melissa continued, her voice breaking as she confessed, "I'm done. I can't stay in this marriage anymore. I want a divorce."

Her father sat in stunned silence for a moment, then shook his head slowly, disbelief written across his features. "My Daughter, are you sure? Divorce is such a... final decision."

Her mother reached for Melissa's hand, squeezing it gently. "My daughter I know , you are angry right now. We understand. But Divorce is too much. you can stay with us for a while and we will sort this thing out."

Melissa pulled her hand back, her voice rising in frustration. "I don't need time to think! This isn't a decision I'm making lightly. He cheated, repeatedly! He was supposed to be there for the twins tonight, and instead, he was with her."

Her father shook his head again, his voice soft but firm. "Melissa, we understand you're hurting, but divorce... it's not the answer. We need to sit down with Joshua, with his parents, and talk this through like a family. You've been married for years. These things happen, but there's a way to move forward without breaking everything apart."

Hearing those words, Melissa felt her anger flare. "Are you serious right now? You're telling me to just forgive him? To sit down and 'talk things through'? He disrespected me, and our family.!"

Her mother's voice was gentle but resolute. "Marriage is difficult, my daughter. We will have a family meeting, see if things can be worked out."

Melissa's hands balled into fists, her heart racing as frustration and fury built inside her. They just didn't get it. They couldn't understand the depth of her pain. Shaking her head, she stood up abruptly, grabbing her phone from the coffee table. "I can't believe you're asking me to do this. I can't stay here and listen to this right now."

Without waiting for a reply, she stormed outside and dialled the number she never thought she'd call in a moment like this. The phone rang twice before Jalal picked up.