All That She Needs

Part 28: Asha

I came home utterly exhausted that day. The meetings had dragged on endlessly, filled with tough decisions and numbers that never seemed to add up. Every discussion felt like it went in circles, with everyone contributing but no real progress being made. When I finally arrived home, I had to muster the energy to hop out of the car. My entire body felt heavy as I trudged through the front door. Kicking off my shoes, I froze, catching a familiar voice that didn't belong to Sandy or the kids.

"Ma?" I called, a surge of surprise pushing me forward. My pace quickened as I moved through the house. "Is that you?"

"Asha," my mother's familiar voice responded from the kitchen.

I hurried in to find her sitting on the kitchen island with Kayden and Chloe, just finishing their dinner. "When did you get here?" I asked, wrapping her in a hug. "Why didn't you call to let me know?"

She lived three hours away by car, so she always relied on the train for her visits as it took her a lot faster. I usually would buy her the ticket and either Roy or Brody would pick her up at the station each time. This wasn't the kind of trip she would make without notice—there was always a plan in place, a call beforehand to coordinate everything. But today, she just showed up, unannounced, and that didn't sit right with me. It wasn't like her, and the unease in my gut grew stronger. Something about this visit felt off, like there was more to it than she was letting on. Suspicion began to creep in.

"I missed my grandchildren," she said with a soft smile, pinching Chloe's rosy cheek as Chloe leaned closer to her.

"Did you take the train?" I asked, my words measured, my gaze locked onto her.

She shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. "Yes."

"Who's picking you up from the station?" I pressed, my tone sharpening.

This time, she met my eyes. "Someone from Aiden's office picked me up."

My breath caught in my throat as I took a step back. "W... what?" I stammered.

She sighed; her face tensed. "We had a chat on the phone..."

"Ma..." I breathed, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

"He told me he doesn't live here anymore."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Betrayal and disappointment surged through me, leaving me momentarily speechless. I swallowed hard, trying to collect myself, my mind racing with what to say next. But I knew one thing for sure—I didn't want Kayden and Chloe involved in this conversation.

"Kayden, Chloe," I said, my voice strained. "Go to your room. I need to talk to your grandma alone."

The kids hesitated for a moment, exchanging glances before nodding and heading upstairs. I waited until their footsteps faded before turning back to my mother, the silence between us thick with tension.

"When?" I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.

She raised her brows. "When what?"

"When did you talk to him." I clarified, trying to stay calm.

"About two days ago," she replied.

"And you didn't think to tell me?" I pressed, feeling my frustration build.

My mother abruptly stood up from her stool, glaring at me. "And you didn't think to tell me that you two separated?" she snapped.

"This isn't something we should discuss over the phone, Ma. I wanted to tell you in person," I explained, trying to keep my voice steady. "I just haven't had the time, with work and the kids having their exams this week."