Separation plan
Ashley
I know I’m weak, but what can I do? I really love this man. It feels like I’ve lost all fear because even though I know Ashlyn is just in their bedroom, I am here responding to her husband’s kiss.
We weren’t satisfied with just kissing; we let ourselves drown in sin. I love Marco so much—how can I avoid someone who feels like the one who completes me, the one who makes my world go round?
“I’m really sorry, sweetheart. I know I’m such a jerk, and what I’ve done to you is unforgivable. She spiked my drink, and I couldn’t control myself when she suddenly kissed me,” he explained, easing the tension in my chest. Why? Because he didn’t need to explain—Ashlyn is his wife. I also can’t blame my twin for what she did. Now, I believe Marco no longer wants anything to do with her.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come home last night,” I replied.
“I want to know who this friend you visited is. I want to know where they live so I’ll know where to find you. I don’t want to feel the fear I felt last night again—the fear that you wouldn’t come back, that you’d leave me for good,” he said.
“I won’t leave unless you tell me to. As long as I feel that you love me, Marco,” I replied as he gently stroked my arm. We were lying on my bed. Yes, completely naked, with nothing on because we had just made love.
Our relationship isn’t just about physical passion. If it were, he would’ve gone back to their bedroom hours ago. But here he was, still lying next to me as dawn approached. I buried my face in his chest, and he wrapped me tightly in his arms. I couldn’t help but think—how do we make right what we both know is wrong?
I love my twin and don’t want to see her get hurt. I’d rather take the pain myself. But why is it like this? Why can’t I let Marco go? Am I really this sinful? Tears began to fall from my eyes, and I couldn’t stop them.
Even though I’m happy with Marco, it doesn’t mean the feeling is complete. I feel sadness—not just for my twin but also for the man I love, who I’m dragging into sin.
Marco must have noticed my tears because he quickly made me look up to him. His tired eyes met mine, full of sadness. “I already asked my friend to start the process of my separation from Ashlyn.”
“What?” I blurted out, a mix of joy and disbelief. But as I thought of Ashlyn, that joy quickly faded.
“Why? Don’t you want that?” Marco asked, his forehead creased in confusion.
“It’s not that. I don’t want us to keep hiding our relationship. But I also don’t want Ashlyn to get hurt. What about my twin? She’ll be devastated if you separate.”
“I know. She’s such a good person, sweetheart. But that’s not enough to justify what I’m doing to her. Like you, I feel hurt for her because I know how I once felt about her. Believe it or not, my world used to revolve around her, just like yours does around me. But my past feelings for her are the very reason I’ve decided to end it. I don’t want to keep lying to her and hurting her.”
I understood him. The truth is, I feel the same way about my twin. We both love Ashlyn and if their separation is what sets the three of us free, maybe it is time for Marco to do it.
I took a deep breath, held him tightly, and closed my eyes. Marco’s gentle pats on my arm lulled me to sleep, even though I had just woken up earlier.
I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming, but it felt like I heard my bedroom door open and the soft steps of someone entering. Whoever it was stood at the foot of the bed, I didn't bother to look. I didn’t open my eyes out of drowsiness to see who it was. It was probably Marco, going back to their bedroom, as I heard the door open and close again.
I slowly opened my eyes and turned to look at the space beside me, but Marco was no longer there. I sat up and realized I was still naked. As I stood from the bed, the memories of last night came flooding back, including our conversation.
Even though my heart felt heavy, my body felt light as I walked into the bathroom to shower. The sun was already high, and I was sure Marco had left hours ago. It might even be close to noon. After showering, I dressed and headed out of the room, planning to eat.
As I went downstairs, I was greeted by Ashlyn’s cheerful smile.
“Hi, sis! You must’ve slept so well. You were out for more than half a day! I didn’t wake you up for dinner because you said not to, so you must be starving by now,” she said teasingly.
“Yeah, I am,” I replied, laughing softly. “Sorry for waking up so late.”
“Don’t worry about it. Go ahead and eat in the kitchen,” she encouraged.
“Thank you, sis,” I said before heading to the kitchen. I devoured the food, my hunger intensifying because I hadn’t eaten dinner last night, and Marco had worn me out.
While eating, a sudden thought hit me, and my eyes widened. I haven’t taken my pills in days! What if—?
I shook my head to push the thought away. Surely, it wouldn’t happen that quickly, right?
I finished my meal and headed back to my room. Passing through the living room, I noticed Ashlyn was no longer there. I shrugged it off; it wasn’t unusual for her to keep to herself. She rarely stayed in the living room unless Marco was around.
I’ve always thought my twin was a bit secretive. She’s usually in her room, much like me. If she’s home, she doesn’t go out unless it’s for work.
Speaking of work, I’ve always found it odd how she only goes to the office whenever she feels like it. According to her, she reports to the office but mostly works online because her director just sends tasks remotely.
I don’t know much about the movie industry, so I have no idea how her job works. Even though I write love stories, that doesn’t mean I’m updated about the movie world. It made me wonder if this has always been her work. If it is, she’s lucky to still do what she loves. Meanwhile, I don’t even remember what my job was before. I didn’t bother asking Marco about it because it seemed unimportant.
I enjoy writing, but I still feel uncertain if it’s truly my career. It would be different if I knew it’s what I’ve always done, even before the accident.
Back in my room, I sat at my desk, ready to write. I felt inspired after last night with Marco. I was sure I’d be able to write a lot today.
I was deeply focused on typing when I suddenly heard my phone ringing. I looked around the room, trying to remember where I had placed my bag. Getting up, I spotted it near the edge of my bed.
Yesterday, when I collapsed on the bed, I remember keeping my bag beside me. It must’ve fallen off when I kicked it, either while I slept or during my time with Marco.
Smiling, I grabbed my phone when I saw Marco’s name on the screen. “Hello?” I answered.
“Sweetheart, are you busy?” he asked.
“With work,” I replied.
“I texted you earlier, and I saw you read it. Why didn’t you reply?” he asked, slightly annoyed.
I frowned.
“I read it? I just picked up my phone now. Anyway, what did you text?” I asked while checking his message.
“Sweetheart…” he said, sounding playful but expectant.
“Alright, I love you too,” I replied with a laugh, knowing that’s exactly what he wanted to hear.
“I love you so much, sweetheart,” he said softly.
“I love you too,” I said again, smiling. Before we ended the call, he mentioned a few more things, including his decision to break up with Ashlyn.
Sitting in front of my laptop again, I couldn’t help but think about what Marco said. He claimed I’d read his message earlier but didn’t reply. I glanced at my phone resting on the desk and shook my head. It’s such a small thing; no need to overthink it.