The Truth

The Truth
Asher’s point of view

I froze, my eyes going wide as they landed on her. This couldn't be real, no fucking way is this really happening. She's the past I thought I'd buried ten years ago. She can't be in my present or future. She shouldn't be here. How will Scarlett react if I happen to tell her the truth? She'd never look at me the same way. She'd hate me, be disgusted by me, and leave me.

My throat constricted at the thought, swallowing became hard. I'm not willing to lose Scarlett because of my past. My teenage mistakes can't ruin my present and future, not actually my mistakes but my brother’s mistakes and I got caught up in it..

Sara rose from the ground, she ran over to me, wrapping her arms around me, sobbing so hard. I should be pushing her away from me, but my whole being went numb as I stood there like a fucking fool. My eyes landed on Scarlett who stared at the whole scene, her brows now furrowed, confusion etching on her face, questions swirling in her eyes.

“Excuse me, can you let go of my husband!”

Scarlett seemed to have sensed my discomfort, she walked over to us, pulling her away from me and standing between us.

“Oh__ umm__I'm so sorry.”

She cleared her throat, pulling the strands of her hair behind her, her chin dipping down on the floor.

Scarlett’s gaze was now on her, with her full focus. At this point, I wish I could utter a word and clear this whole thing, but the truth might just ruin my life in the blink of an eye. I can't do it.

“Asher, please help me. I have no place to stay. My husband wants nothing to do with me after he discovered the truth. No one wants me anymore. My parents chased me out of the house. I have nowhere to go.”

Her tone was laced with sadness, tears streaming down her face.

My heart twisted at her words. This was all Mark's fault. It was his fault, and now I'm on the brink of losing everything.

I exhaled deeply. Telling Scarlett the truth right now was the only choice I had. I can't keep secrets from my wife, no matter how dark they are. I'd always be honest with her.

“Umm, I can give you a place to stay until you find your own place.”

Scarlett’s gaze was sharpening as it locked with mine. I swallowed.

I hate these kinds of situations. I wish I could just use my gun as a solution to all my problems.

“I can't live alone in a huge place. The memories of that night would come flashing back in my mind. I'm very scared.”

Sara’s voice was shrill, dripping with fear. My hand balled into a fist. Scarlett was watching the whole scene, her hands now wrapped around her chest. Right now, I can't leave Sara on the streets, especially when I know very well I was the reason why her life is ruined. At the same time, I had to explain the situation to Scarlett. I didn't want her to misunderstand this whole thing. I wanted her to know the truth from me.

But it didn't seem like it was going to happen because right now Scarlett looks mad at me, and I'm not sure if she can understand this whole thing.

I dragged my feet over to her, reaching for her hand. I intertwined my fingers with hers, feeling her soft skin against mine.

“Sweetheart, can we let her stay with us? I promise, I will explain everything to you. But right now, all I need is your permission. Do you agree that she comes and stays with us? I promise it's only for tonight, and I'd make another plan tomorrow.”

I was practically begging, and I didn't care right now. Her opinion matters the most, and I'm not doing anything against her wishes.

Scarlett placed her hand on top of mine, a smile now tugging at her lips.

“The fact that you asked me first means a lot to me, Asher. I trust you. I know you won't do anything that will hurt my feelings.”

Her eyes locked with mine. I could feel tension rising in my stomach, twisting my guts.

Will my past shatter her trust in me? Will this love she has for me disappear if I tell her the truth? I swallowed the possibility of that. I won't let my past ruin my present and future, no matter what happens.

I leaned closer to her until my lips touched hers. I placed a soft kiss on her lips.

“I love you,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Scarlett chuckled, her eyes twinkling with her love for me. She didn't even need to say it out loud because I could see it myself. I hope this love won't vanish because of my past.

I held Scarlett’s hand as I turned to Sara. She forced a smile as she wiped her tears with her palm.

“You can come with us, Sara,” I said, trying to keep my emotions in check. She nodded.

Scarlett and I started making our way out of the restaurant, and she followed behind us. With each passing second, my stomach was hardening, the tension rising up to my throat, making it hard to breathe freely.

One truth might change my whole life tonight. I'm on the verge of losing the woman I loved. But no matter what happens, I'm still going to tell the truth and let Scarlett decide if she can still be with a man like me. No matter how painful it might be, I'd let her go if she decides she doesn't want to be with me. I won't let her stay with a monster like me. She doesn't deserve it.

The silence inside the car was deafening as the driver drove through the highway, thoughts swirled in my brain with no answers.

“Asher, I hope your wife doesn't mind me living with you guys? And if you are scared to tell her the truth, then you don't have to tell her. I'd keep quiet.”

My chest tightened at her words. Why would she even say such garbage in front of Scarlett? She was my damn wife, and I'm going to tell her the truth no matter how bitter it might be.

I squeezed Scarlett’s hand gently, but the smile on her lips disappeared completely. Of course, she was not a fool. No woman can tolerate such nonsense.

“Sara, you asked for a place to stay, and my wife and I are going to give you that. What I decide to tell her is my business. I'd really appreciate it if you could just stay out of it.”

I hated the tone I used, but she should just keep her damn mouth shut.

My eyes widened as her sobs filled the car. I opened my mouth to speak, but my words got trapped in my throat.