Thirty Days Of September

chapter 40: standing strong together

After a few days of settling back into their routine, the atmosphere in Aaron and Atasha's home was filled with warmth and love. Friends and family had gathered frequently to celebrate their reunion.

One day, that sense of tranquility shattered when Candice unexpectedly showed up at their doorstep.

The door swung open, and Candice stood there, her expression a mix of anger and defiance. "Atasha," she called out, her voice sharp and accusing. "We need to talk."

Atasha exchanged a glance with Aaron, who had been in the kitchen preparing dinner. He stepped forward, a protective stance forming around Atasha. "What are you doing here, Candice?" he asked, his tone firm yet calm.

Candice brushed past him, her eyes locking onto Atasha with an intensity that made the air thick with tension. "You think you can just steal him away from me and play happy couple? You have no idea what you're getting into."

Atasha felt her heart race, but she refused to let fear dictate her response. "I didn't steal him, Candice. He is my husband... In law and in  the eyes of God, we arte husband and wife... An now, he chose to be with me."

Candice scoffed, crossing her arms. "And you think that makes you special? You think he'll stay with you forever? You're just a rebound!"

Atasha stepped forward, a newfound confidence washing over her. "If you truly believed that, then why are you here? Aaron is happy with me, and your actions pushed him away. Draining his bank accounts and running off with another man while pretending everything was fine? That's on you."

Candice's face flushed with rage. "You don't know anything about our relationship! You think you can just waltz in and make him forget about me?"

"I'm not trying to make him forget you," Atasha replied, her voice steady. "I'm here because I care about him, and I'm not going to let you bully me or him anymore. You had your chance, and you threw it away..."

Candice stepped closer, her eyes narrowed. "You think you can intimidate me? You're nothing compared to what we had!"

At that moment, Aaron stepped between them, a protective barrier. "Candice, that's enough. You need to leave. You've made your choices, and it's time to face the consequences."

"Consequences?" Candice sneered. "You think you can just replace me? I was with you for years!"

"Yes, and during those years, you drained my bank accounts and treated me like I was a bank," Aaron shot back, his voice rising. "I won't let you manipulate me or Atasha any longer."

Candice opened her mouth to retort, her hand twitching as if she wanted to slap Atasha, but Aaron's presence halted her. "You need to take responsibility for what you did, Candice. This isn't about love anymore; it's about the lies and betrayal."

Atasha felt empowered by Aaron's words. "You had every opportunity to be honest with him, but instead, you chose deception. If you truly cared about him, you wouldn't have treated him like an option."

Candice's expression faltered for a moment, vulnerability flickering behind her anger. "You don't understand—"

"No, I do understand," Atasha interrupted, her voice firm. "I understand that you want to keep playing the victim, but it's time to face the reality. You're not the only one hurt here. Aaron deserves happiness and besides I am his lawful wife, and I'm willing to fight for it."

Just then, Aaron took Atasha's hand, a silent show of solidarity that sent a clear message to Candice. "Everything between us is over...  You need to accept that. This is your last chance to walk away with some dignity."