Amber and Mark, a young couple, were contentedly married until Mark discovered odd receipts in his wife’s belongings. These purchases were made on behalf of an imaginary child. What is Amber trying to conceal? Mark makes the decision to learn the truth, which will fundamentally alter their life.
Amber and Mark had recently tied the knot. They were strangers just six months ago, and everything occurred extremely rapidly. Now, Mark was bringing his wife flowers when he got home from work.
Amber was “the one,” Mark realized right once, and the more they spoke, the more he was persuaded. Thus, he popped the question four months after they first met. Even though they had only known one another for a short while, he felt as though he had known Amber his entire life.
Mark parked his car outside their home. The area was bathed in a warm glow as the evening sun began to set. Not forgetting the flowers, he got out of the car and inhaled deeply, enjoying the cold early evening breeze.
With a bit more expectancy in his heart, he ascended the path to their front door. Amber greeted him warmly at the door, as usual.
When she noticed the flowers, her eyes gleamed. With her fingers gliding across his, she extended her hand to grab them.
“Mark, these are beautiful,” she remarked quietly, her voice full of love. She softly kissed him as she leaned in. “How was your day at work?”
“The clients were an absolute nightmare,” Mark said, massaging his temples in response. “This is the most modifications I’ve ever seen for a tiny job. I’m worn out.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Amber expressed with concern. “I prepared the meal. To unwind, we can crack open that bottle of wine.”
“That sounds perfect,” Mark remarked, his shoulders becoming somewhat more relaxed. He went to the kitchen with Amber. He took a seat and uncorked the wine bottle while she began to arrange the table.
He saw Amber’s phone on the table while he was pouring the wine. There was a notice of a message. Amber normally didn’t mind if Mark didn’t read her texts. This time, though, something piqued his interest.
Looking at the screen, he saw, “Honey, are you going to be here tomorrow? “Mila is missing you,” a caller said. A beat skipped in Mark’s heart.
He said, “Who is Mila?” while attempting to maintain his composure.
Amber looked up, perplexed. “What?”
“A message was delivered to you. Someone told you that Mila misses you and called you honey. “Who is this?”
With haste, Amber hurried to the table and picked up her phone. After reading the message, she scowled. Glancing up at Mark, she murmured, “It has to be an incorrect number.”
Mark whispered tensely, “Amber, you can tell me the truth.”
Amber urged, “I am telling the truth.” She revealed the talk with the unidentified number to Mark. That was the only message there was.
Mark responded, “Okay,” but he didn’t seem to be persuaded.
Amber exhaled. “I don’t like that you don’t trust me.”
Mark looked down and apologized. “But you understand how this looks, right?”
Putting the dinner plates down on the table, Amber nodded. Though the room was filled with the smells of the food, the tension persisted. Almost silently, but for the sound of dishes clinking, they ate—a stark contrast to their usually animated chats.
Mark, meanwhile, couldn’t get rid of the uneasy sensation he had.
They cleared the table after supper and proceeded about their evening activities, but something felt off. They had a long, weighty stillness that was rife with uncertainties and unsaid ideas.
Mark laid in bed that night, gazing up at the ceiling. His mind was racing, full with concerns and questions. Though he was tempted, he refrained from looking at Amber’s phone. He wished that they would not turn into “one of those couples” that spied on one another.
He tossed and twisted, not knowing where to find solace. He was having trouble unwinding because of his mounting worry. He finally drifted off to sleep after what seemed like hours, albeit his slumber was uneasy.
Amber left the house before Mark had gotten out of bed the following day to attend her yoga class early in the morning.
Though still sleepy, Mark began preparing for work. His beloved sneakers were nowhere to be found near the door, so he chose not to wear them. He started looking in the closet, frustrated.
He took out shoe box after shoe box, all of them stuffed with anything other than the sneakers he was after. One additional box was hidden in the closet’s far corner as he combed among the heaps of stuff.
Mark pulled it out and opened it, curious and eager. He discovered a number of receipts instead of sneakers.
With a frown, Mark started going through them. Every receipt for kid-friendly clothing, toys, entertainment, and even a trip to the pediatrician was more confusing than the last. A shiver went through his body.
They were childless, and as far as Mark was aware, Amber was childless as well. Is Amber really keeping this major secret from him?
He thought of the message that had been on her phone the day before, in which someone had called her honey and mentioned Mila. He started to think Amber might be related to someone else.
His heart thumping, he made the decision to move quickly. He picked up his phone and dialed Amber straight away, but she didn’t pick up, and he began to feel anxious. Then he made the decision to give the yoga studio she frequented a call.
“Hello, might I talk to my wife, Amber? Mark tried to remain calm as he continued, “She should be in your yoga class right now.
“Amber?” The teacher answered, perplexed. “Amber is not present in any of our classes.”
Mark felt his stomach fall. He shut up the phone after thanking the instructor, his head aflutter with ideas. Amber was undoubtedly concealing something from him now.
Mark was unable to continue to ignore the facts as it grew. More than ever, he felt hurt, deceived, and confused. He was aware that regardless of the potential anguish, he had to learn the truth.
Amber was shocked to see Mark when she got home. “Hey, you’re still at home,” she replied with a tone that suggested some perplexity.
Mark forced a laugh. Yes, I realized that I needed to wait to ask you because I couldn’t find my sneakers. I searched all over.”
“Oh, I washed them,” was Amber’s casual response. “Sorry, I should have told you.”
Mark nodded, his thoughts whirling. He made the decision to find out what she thought of the yoga class by asking her. “How was your yoga class?”
Amber smiled broadly. “It was excellent! I feel very calm after we performed some new stretches today. My form was even complimented by the instructor.”
Mark listened with a mixture of resentment and melancholy. She spoke about the session as though she had actually attended, going into great detail about the breathing techniques and positions.
He knew that talking to her at this point would just make things worse. He decided he needed to learn the whole truth since he was sick of the lies.
Mark attempted to seem normal as he added, “That’s good to hear.” When she went to “yoga” the following day, he resolved to follow her. He had to follow her around and find out for himself what she was truly up to.
Mark followed Amber discreetly the next day as she left for “yoga,” making sure she didn’t spot him. He kept his distance, his heart pounding. While Mark remained concealed behind a bench, Amber strolled towards the bus station.
Mark hurried to get on the bus when she did, making sure to sit far enough back so she wouldn’t see him. The bus travel seemed to go on forever. to last, they arrived to a different part of town that Mark was unfamiliar with.
After moving a few blocks, Amber came up to a little house. Mark crouched down behind a nearby tree, his hands drenched with sweat.
The man emerged as the door opened. He gave Amber a big hug, and a small girl, maybe five years old, came out to give her one too.
With a bright smile, Amber knelt down and gave the girl a close hug. Mark felt his entire world crumble as they all went inside. Amber was related to another family!
Mark chose that very moment to face her, unable to control his confusion and rage. He walked up to the residence and rapped on the door. It was opened by the same man who’d hugged Amber. Mark shoved him out of the way and barged inside.
“So these are your yoga classes?!” Mark bellowed. Amber looked up in amazement from where she was playing with the small child on the floor of the living room.
Amber looked up in amazement from where she was playing with the small child on the floor of the living room. She said, “Mark, what are you doing here?”
With a glare in his eyes, Mark commanded, “Better tell me what YOU are doing here.”
“I…” Amber stumbled and glanced at the young girl, whose wide eyes were suddenly fixed on them. “Let’s go outside, and I’ll explain everything.” She moved in the direction of the door and gestured for Mark to come.
After hesitating, Mark trailed behind her while his head was filled with inquiries. The cold breeze did not quiet the inner fury that was within him. Taking a big breath, Amber started to explain.
“Mila is an orphan,” she replied quietly. “Her guardian is this man, John. Mila was adopted by him and his spouse as a foster family. The message you saw was written by John’s wife.
Mark scowled as he continued to try to put everything together. His voice tight, he questioned, “What does this have to do with you?”
Amber’s eyes slid to her hands. She said, “Before I met you, I wanted to adopt Mila.” “I got to know her and paid her many visits. However, I was hesitant to tell you when we got together. I didn’t want to lose you, and you had stated that you didn’t want kids. Mark, I was afraid. I cherish Mila, but I also cherish you.”
Mark sighed and averted his gaze. “I also told lies,” he admitted. “I stated that I am unable to have children, so I don’t want them. I didn’t want to let you down.”
Surprised, Amber’s eyes grew wide. “So, we both lied,” she mutely murmured. “We both hid something important.”
A mixture of relief and sadness filled Mark as he nodded. Yes, we did, he replied. However, I need some time to process everything. There’s a lot to process. Tonight, I’m going to stay somewhere else. I must take a mental break.”
Amber shed a few tears as she watched him leave. Despite everything, she hoped they could still go forward together.
Mark was sitting by himself in a tiny hotel room that evening. His thoughts were amplified by the quiet surroundings and low light. He was consumed by thoughts of all that had transpired.
He questioned whether they would ever be able to lead a happy life together because it seemed like their entire marriage was based on lies. But his love for Amber was immense. She was everything to him.
He considered Mila as well. Though the young girl appeared innocent and sweet, he was worried he wouldn’t make a suitable father. Growing up, he was worried that he wouldn’t know how to be the dad she needed because he didn’t have a good example.
His phone buzzed with a message while he sat there. Amber sent it. After a brief pause, he opened it.
Two pictures were there: one of him laughing while holding raspberries, and another of Mila laughing similarly. Amber’s message said, “I believe I understand why I adore you both.” since you have a lot in common.”
Mark felt a surge of emotion. He knew what had to be done, so he turned off his phone. He got into his car, drove home, and left the hotel. Though it seemed to take an eternity, the drive had cleared his head. He realized he had to speak with Amber.
Amber was waiting for him when he entered. Though she was crying and her eyes were red, she looked up hopeful as he walked in. He approached her and clasped her hands in his.
“Amber,” he remarked quietly, “I’m not sure what the future will bring. But I am certain that you are the one person I would rather start a family with. Together, let’s try to adopt Mila. We all think she deserves a family.”
Once more, tears welled up in Amber’s eyes, but these were tears of delight and relief. Her voice faltered as she questioned, “Are you sure?”
Mark gave a nod. “No, I have no certainty in any matter. But at this moment, the only thing I know for sure is you.”
With a smile on her face, Amber planted a kiss on him and they held on tight. Although they were both aware that it wouldn’t be simple, they were prepared to face the future as a family.