After My Divorce, I Thought It Was the End – Until I Met My Ex’s Mistress

“Because I have to do this alone. Ashton, I’ve already lost everything. Feeling like I’m someone else’s burden is the last thing I want.”

“You don’t have to do anything. I consider you a friend.”

The café door opened abruptly, and I was immediately overcome by the strong smell of pricey perfume. I knew exactly who it was without having to look.

“Ashton,” I said in a low voice. “It’s her.”

He looked from me to the door.

“Celeste?” When he spotted her, his voice became tighter.

My marriage was in shambles because of her, who had previously been my friend. She was flawless, unrepentant, and polished—everything I wasn’t.

Celeste came over to our table, her grin that was so familiar, it always seemed a bit too flawless.

“Kate, how are you?” She questioned as though we were still close pals. “It’s been ages.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while.”

Ashton remained quiet beside me. Already, I could sense the stress evaporating from him. Celeste didn’t appear to notice, or perhaps it didn’t bother her.

With a small grimace, she continued, “You look… tired.” “Everything okay?”

“It’s… complicated.”

She leaned in slightly and murmured, softly, “I’ve heard.” “I encountered a few people we both knew. They informed me of everything that has been going on, even the divorce.”

Unsure of what to say, I turned to face Celeste.

She went on, “I can’t imagine how difficult it’s been for you.” “But Kate, you don’t have to go through this alone.”

I blinked, surprised by this. “What are you talking about?”

She said, “I want to help,” as though we were still the closest of friends.

“There are people I know who could assist you in getting back on your feet. a job and possibly a place to live.”

Ashton was at her breaking point.

“Want to lend a hand? following all of your actions?”

Celeste turned to face Ashton and said, “I regret what happened, Ashton.”

She reached into her bag and smiled softly at me.

“Mistakes are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care. She said, “Here,” handed some dollars across the table.

It’s sufficient for a few nights in a reputable hotel. I also have a party later on this week. Those who can assist you in resuming your profession will be present. You ought to attend.”

I looked at Ashton, who was clearly trying not to become too upset. At last, he said something.

Kate can handle this on her own. She has assistance already.”

Celeste straightened, wiping away the intangible dust from her clothes.

“Kate, I’ll let you think about it. It’s a legitimate offer.”

Before leaving the café, she sent forth one more smile. Ashton turned to face me as soon as the door shut behind her.

“You can’t be serious about this.”

“Ashton, I’m desperate!” Speaking loudly than I meant to, I said. “I don’t have many options here.”

“I’m with you. I’ve been available to you. I’ve been extending my assistance.

I snapped back, frustrated. “I know,” I said. “But I can’t keep depending on you for everything.”

“So you would choose to accept her assistance? from the lady who ruined your existence?”

I whispered to myself, “Maybe she’s trying to fix things,” but I wasn’t sure I bought it.

Ashton’s gaze went gloomy.

“Okay, if you refuse to listen to me. However, I won’t let you enter this by yourself. Whether you like it or not, I’m accompanying you to that celebration.”

It was useless to dispute with him. “All right. We’ll travel together.

I felt uncomfortable from the time I entered the gathering. People in fitted suits, fancy dresses, and dazzling glasses shimmered throughout the room. I wished I had left as soon as I walked in, looking down at my sweater and slacks.

Where are you, Ashton?

Then I noticed Garrett! It dawned on me. It was more than simply a celebration. It was a celebration of their engagement. Celeste’s words suddenly reverberated across the room, bringing me back to the present.

“Please give me everyone’s attention. I would like to express my gratitude to a specific person.”

Oh no. My heart fell. I see where this is headed.

“I want to thank Kate,” she said, her tenderness evident in every word. “Without her, I wouldn’t have met the love of my life.”

My face started to burn. I turned to look at Garrett’s parents. Their judgmental gaze remained locked on me as if I were a lost puppy that had found my way inside.

“Kate, why don’t you make a toast?” a person in the crowd yelled.

I could feel every set of eyes in the room shifting to mine.

Panic surged up my throat like a tidal wave as the words stuck. Before I could stop it, my stomach began to churn and I became nauseous. There it was, in full view of all.

I bounded out of the room as quickly as I could, shoving past the stunned looks and screams. My vision was clouded by tears, but it didn’t matter. I had to get away.

That night was terrible, and I ended up staying with Ashton. Though it wasn’t my intention, what transpired left me unable to face reality. I was absolutely exhausted.

Days passed in a whirl as I withdrew, staying away from everyone and everything. Patient as ever, Ashton didn’t press the issue. He simply checked on me, continued to bring me coffee, and left me alone to sit in silence.

One morning, Ashton finally whispered, “Kate,” shattering the cozy silence we had become accustomed to. “Have you thought about painting again?”

From the couch, where I’d been snuggled up for hours, I looked up at him.

“I’m not sure if I’m prepared. What’s the purpose?”

He mentioned, nonchalantly, as like it were no big deal, “Someone asked about your work.” “They want to buy one of your paintings.”

“You’re serious?”

Yes. Kate, people are still interested in what you do. You must persevere with it.”

“Ash, I have no idea. I may not be able to.”

“You’re able to. You haven’t finished yet.

I have not finished yet.

That idea stuck in my head, and I started working on a piece I’d always been hesitant to finish the following day. It was my favorite because it captured a part of me that I still enjoyed, not because it was the best painting I had ever done.

The next few days were a haze of paint strokes and color. I was paying attention to something other than the chaos in my life for the first time in what seemed like forever.

“Are you going to sell it?” One afternoon, Ashton glanced at the completed artwork and inquired.

I answered, “I think so,” but a part of me was holding on to it. “It’s time.”

I gained more from the deal than just cash. I managed to lease a modest flat. I owned it, even though it wasn’t much.

I started painting again slowly and lost myself in the process. Gradually, my self-assurance returned, and soon I was prepared to move on to the next phase.

Finally, the day of my exhibition had come. While I strolled about the gallery, checking that everything was in its proper place, I saw an additional painting propped up in the corner and covered with a cloth.

“Ashton, what’s this?” I gestured toward it and asked.

That’s the one you need. It ought to be included in the show, in my opinion. Think of it as a present.”

I moved forward, removing the cloth. My throat tightened around my breath. It was the first painting I ever did.

I muttered, “Oh my God,” as my fingers went to my lips. “How…?”

Ashton took a step forward and stated, “I bought it.”

“I was unable to let it go. Even though you didn’t think it mattered, I understood how much it meant to you. Kate, I wanted to make sure you didn’t lose that aspect of yourself since I knew you were struggling.”

I was stunned for a second as I just stared at him. “You… you kept this for me?”

“I’ve always wanted to offer you my complete support. Even when things were falling apart, I never wanted you to give up on your creativity. And more than you probably imagined, Kate, I’ve always looked out for you.”

“Ashton… I’m at a loss for words.”

“You’re not required to speak. I cherish you. I wasn’t sure when would be the best to inform you.”

I grinned, experiencing a warmth I hadn’t had in a long time. “I think now’s the right time.”

As we stood there, the burden of all that had transpired between us began to slowly fade, and I realized that I had also fallen in love with him.

Everything about the exhibition ran smoothly. In the middle of the gallery was a proud display of my very first artwork. It was well received, and several people even inquired about commissioning a piece for their collections. I made a few paintings sales that evening.

“It appears that your opening piece is the highlight of the evening,” leaned in and grinned.

Yes. It’s not for sale, though.”

With enthusiastic reviews, the evening concluded. Ashton turned to smile at me as the last of the guests filed out of the gallery.

“So, how about we celebrate this successful night with our first real date?”

“I’d like that.”

Promotion

I realized that this wasn’t only the start of my artistic career again as we strolled outside the gallery into the crisp evening air. With someone who had been there from the beginning, that was the beginning.

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