Chapter 13
Kayla gently guided Arabella into the quiet sanctuary of the bedroom. “Bella, please be honest with me. Did you have a fight with Jay?” she asked softly, her voice tinged with concern.
A mother’s intuition is often unerring.
Kayla had been watching Arabella closely these past few days, noticing the subtle signs of exhaustion etched across her daughter’s face. The usual spark in Arabella’s eyes had dimmed, replaced by a heavy weariness that worried Kayla deeply.
When Arabella finally broke down, tears flowing without pause, Kayla’s heart clenched with fear. “Bella, did Jayceon do something to hurt you?” she whispered, her voice cracking with worry.
Kayla knew her daughter inside and out.
Arabella’s love for Jayceon ran deeper than anything else in her life—even deeper than her own well-being. Kayla was certain that only a betrayal from Jayceon could cause her such profound pain.
Arabella remained silent, sinking into Kayla’s embrace like a fragile leaf caught in a storm. She sobbed freely, releasing all the anguish she had been holding back.
As a woman who had faced her own battles, Kayla understood immediately what this meant. She wept alongside her daughter, sharing in the heartbreak that filled the room.
Eventually, Arabella’s tears subsided, leaving her drained and hollow. She wiped her face with trembling hands, then looked up at Kayla with a quiet resolve. “Mom, the woman Jayceon loves is back. I want a divorce.”
Kayla brushed away the last of her daughter’s tears with gentle fingers. “Whatever you decide, Bella, your father and I will stand by you. You’re not alone in this.”
When they stepped out of the bedroom, Arabella caught sight of her father standing near the doorway. His eyes were red-rimmed, and his hands trembled so violently that he struggled to hold the grocery basket steady.
This strong, dependable man looked utterly defeated as he whispered, “It’s all my fault. I’m useless.”
If the Palmer family hadn’t fallen apart, he vowed, Arabella would never have had to endure such pain.
But the years had been hard on the Palmers. They had leaned heavily on Jayceon’s support—and now owed the Melendez family more than they could repay. Jayceon was too ashamed to confront Arabella or demand any explanation.
That evening, Arabella chose not to return home. Instead, she stayed with her parents, seeking refuge in their love and understanding.
When Jayceon arrived and noticed Arabella was absent, he wasn’t shocked. It made sense—she was always so thoughtful and caring. Her mother had just been discharged from the hospital, after all, and it was natural for Arabella to want to stay and keep her company.
Jayceon informed the rest of the family that Arabella was back with her parents, hoping to ease their worries.
Upon hearing the news, Tabitha and Kimberly hurried over, only to find Arabella wasn’t there.
Jayceon explained calmly, “Her mother was discharged today. Arabella’s staying with them for now.”
Tabitha raised her hand, ready to slap him in frustration, but the blow never connected.
“Jay,” she said sharply, “Kayla just got out of the hospital. Shouldn’t you be going to help them?”
Arabella had already made up her mind about divorcing Jayceon and hadn’t wanted to involve the older Melendez family members. But now that Tabitha was here, she decided it was time to be clear.
She asked Kimberly to sit beside her, her voice steady and calm.
“Tabitha,” Arabella said quietly, “I’ve made my decision. I want a divorce.”
Tabitha’s face shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing her features.
Kimberly stood up, anxiety written across her face. “Arabella, I know Jay can be difficult, but you’ve been together for so many years. Please don’t be reckless.”
A bitter ache settled deep inside Arabella’s chest.
It was true—they had shared many years together, but it had always been a one-sided devotion on her part.
Her voice was firm and unwavering. “I’ve thought this through. Please don’t try to change my mind.”
Kayla’s eyes were swollen from crying, but she didn’t make things harder for Tabitha. “Tabitha, we’ll always be grateful for what you’ve done for us over the years. Jay loves someone else. They should get divorced—especially since they don’t have children.”
Without another word, Tabitha turned and left the Palmer home, leaving a heavy silence in her wake.

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