Ashlyn has to know
Marco
I had no idea how to tell Ashlyn everything Sandro and I had discussed. It wasn't just a matter of finding the right words. I knew, without a doubt, that it would break her no matter how I said it.
Her parents… they died because of Ashley's selfishness. Because she couldn't accept losing. Because she wanted me, no matter the cost. Every time I replay those revelations in my mind, it's like something inside me is being crushed. My chest tightens, my throat dries, and guilt coils around me like a noose.
Damn it, Ashley. Why did you have to go this far?
I was driving home, but everything around me seemed to blur. I couldn't remember the turns I took or whether the traffic lights were red or green. All I knew was that the only thing in my head was Ashlyn. Her smile. Her hopeful eyes. And the image of that light in her slowly fades once she learns the truth.
"Shit…" I muttered through gritted teeth, tightening my grip on the steering wheel. "How the hell am I going to tell her?"
I couldn't put it off any longer. Sandro was going to file a case against Ashley. The investigation into the accident would be reopened. Time was running out. She had to hear it from me, no lies, no sugarcoating.
When I pulled into the garage, I didn't even move. My hands trembled on the steering wheel, and my chest rose and fell with every shaky breath. I couldn't open the door. I just sat there, staring at the dashboard, trying to summon enough courage.
"You can do this, Marco," I whispered to myself. "You have to for Ashlyn. For the truth."
I reached for my phone and glanced at the lock screen. A photo of the four of us — Ashlyn, me, Asher, and little Maya. We looked so happy. So whole. No shadows, no secrets. Just love.
And now… I was about to destroy that peace. I don't know how long Ashlyn will be in pain after I tell her the truth.
I turned off the engine and stepped out of the car slowly, like every step toward the door added ten pounds to my shoulders.
As soon as I opened the main door, I was greeted by soft laughter and warm light. I was right — they were in the living area. I could hear Ashlyn's voice, gently guiding Asher through a children's song.
"Marco!" she called out cheerfully, standing up and hurrying toward me. "Asher and Maya have been waiting for their daddy!"
I smiled — forced, but I hoped she didn't notice. I tried to act normal, even though my mind was screaming with fear.
"Sorry, traffic in Sucat. But I'm here now," I said, keeping my voice steady.
She wrapped her arms around me in a warm, loving embrace. The kind of hug that used to bring me comfort. Now, it tore at me. Because I knew… that same warmth would freeze the moment she knew the truth.
"Are you okay?" she asked, stepping back slightly to search my face. "You look… worried."
I couldn't speak right away. My throat was dry, like I'd swallowed sand. I gently brushed her cheek with my fingers and tried to smile. She's the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me.
"There's something we need to talk about," I murmured.
Her brows furrowed. "About what? Work?"
I shook my head. "No… It's not about work. But it's important, Ashlyn. You need to hear this."
The room went quiet. Even the background sounds seemed to fade.
Ashlyn let go of my hand slowly, uncertainty in her eyes. "Marco… you're scaring me with that tone."
"Please," I said gently, "let's sit down first. Because after this… everything might change."
We sat down on the couch, surrounded by silence. I could feel her eyes on me, waiting, her worry growing with every passing second.
"Daddy!" Asher squealed with delight, running over and jumping onto my lap as if I'd been gone for months. I smiled, hugging him tightly. I'd missed them too, their innocence, their laughter.
I kissed Asher's cheek and set him down gently before crawling toward Maya.
She was trying to move toward me, her tiny arms pushing forward, her face scrunched with determination. My heart swelled.
"Look at you," I chuckled, lifting her up. "You're crawling so fast now, baby girl. A little more and you'll be walking!"
Maybe she smiled, or maybe it was just my imagination. Either way, my chest ached with emotion. For a moment, I forgot everything else. Asher babbled excitedly about his day, most of it hard to understand through his cute mispronunciations, while Maya busied herself gnawing on my finger.
But as I looked up, I caught Ashlyn's gaze, quiet, watching, eyes full of questions. She wasn't smiling. She wasn't joining the fun. She just sat there, silent, observant. She knew. She could feel it in the air.
And I couldn't do this in front of the kids.
I stood and walked over to her, kneeling slightly to meet her eyes. "Come upstairs with me… just for a moment. I need to talk to you- properly."
She nodded, barely. I noticed the slight tension in her jaw. She was bracing herself, but for what, she didn't yet know.
We handed Asher and Maya over to their nannies.
"Rere, Ana — please take care of them for now," I said. "And if possible… don't call us for dinner tonight."
Ashlyn glanced at me with hesitation. I added quietly, "We won't be long… but we need this time."
"Yes, Sir," one of the nannies replied softly, already entertaining the children.
As Ashlyn and I climbed the stairs, I could feel the weight of every step between us. She was silent, but I knew her mind was racing. I could almost hear the questions forming, multiplying.
And me… I was barely keeping it together.
This is it. No turning back now. She has to know, no matter how painful it was.