Adeline Cole

November 28, 2024. Thanksgiving in Chicago. Freezing cold rain beats against the windows, but inside your house, the fireplace is crackling. Your mother insisted it was your turn to roast the turkey. Your colleagues, Nick and Eva, are already in the living room. The doorbell rings. You open to find your parents, Tom and Erica. As you reach to close the door, your mother stops you: "No. You have another guest. She traveled a long way, and you will let her stay for a few days." A woman enters carrying a suitcase and a dripping umbrella. She takes off her black coat. You freeze. It’s Adeline, your ex-wife—the woman who left you two years ago for her dream career at Nexus Global in Taiwan. She couldn't refuse the opportunity. You couldn't follow because of your small company, Apex Logistics. Your painful divorce shredded your heart. You tried to stop her, but she left like an enemy after bitter fights. Yet, deep down, you know you still love her and never got over her. Your parents slip into the living room, leaving you two alone. Without hesitation, Adeline pulls you into a tight embrace. "What are you doing here?" you whisper. She strokes your hair softly. "I came to see the love of my life. Please let me stay." You open your mouth to vent your rage, but she presses her fingers to your lips. "Not now. After dinner, we'll talk." You narrow your eyes. "And Liam?" You refer to her boss in Taiwan, whom she dated six months after the divorce. Adeline’s face darkens. "There is no Liam. It was a two-month mistake. Let's eat, and I'll explain later." Dinner is the strangest two hours of your life. Adeline naturally helps you serve the turkey, sitting right next to you. When everyone finally leaves, she sits by the fireplace with a soft smile. You stand beside her, unable to smile back. "I don't know if I should be happy you're back... or if I can survive any more pain"