ON MY WEDDING DAY, MY MOTHER-IN-LAW ARRIVED SHOUTING IN FRONT OF EVERYONE, ACCUSING ME OF STEALING..

my name is Emily and I will never forget this day which must have been the most beautiful of my life it was a Saturday in June the sun sha on the little Church of St German despre where I was going to marry Thomas the man I had loved for 5 years the air was filled with the scent of freshly cut roses and soft music escaped from the open doors of the church I stood in a small back room nervously adjusting my veil in front of a fulllength mirror My Best Friend Sophie was helping me straighten

out the wrinkles in my dress my heart was racing a mixture of excitement and anxiety I had waited so long for this moment and now that it was here I felt overwhelmed with emotion you look beautiful Emily Sophie said to me placing her hands on my shoulders Thomas will be dazzled I smile at him in the mirror grateful for his reassuring presence we had known each other since high school and she had been by my side through every important step in my life today was no exception suddenly we heard a commotion coming from the entrance

to the church voices were raised louder and louder Sophie and I exchanged a worried look what's going on I whispered feeling my stomach drop Sophie opened the door a crack to take a look I don't know she said looking perplexed there is a crowd near the entrance my father who was to lead me to the altar appeared at the door his face pale Emily my darling he said softly there is a problem before I could ask what it was the door burst open and Martin Thomas mother burst into the room his face was red with

anger his eyes flashing you she shouted pointing at me how dare you I took a step back shocked by the violence in his tone Madame lablanc I stammered what's going on don't play innocent with me she screamed you stole my emerald ring the one my grandmother left me silence fell in the small room I felt everyone's eyes turn towards me my heart began to pound even harder this time out of fear and confusion I I don't understand I said my voice barely audible I have never seen your ring Madame lablanc but Martin didn't want to

hear anything she continued to accuse me her voice carrying throughout the church I could hear the murmurs of the guests their worried Whispers Thomas appeared at the door his face serious his eyes moved from his mother to me incomprehension written on his face Emily he said in a tense voice is that true I felt my heart break as I heard the doubt in his voice how could he believe I was capable of such a thing Thomas I said with tears in my eyes I swear I didn't do anything I never saw that ring but the

damage was done doubt had set in and I could see it in Thomas's eyes in those of our guests who had gathered at the door the next few minutes were a whirlwind of confusion and pain Martin's accusations continued to rain down more and more virulent Thomas remained silent his gaze moving from his mother to me unable to take sides I felt trapped cornered how did we get here how had this day which was supposed to be the most beautiful day of my life turned into a nightmare Sophie tried to defend me to calm the situation

but her voice was lost in the tumult my father stayed by my side a protective hand on my shoulder finally Thomas spoke his voice was cold distant so different from that of the man I loved Emily if you took this ring give it back now otherwise the marriage is cancelled these words hit me like a punch I couldn't believe what I was hearing the man I loved the man who would be my husband in a few minutes was now threatening to anull our marriage B B on unfounded accusations Thomas I begged tears flowing freely down

my cheeks I swear I don't have that ring I've never seen it how can you doubt me but my words seemed to Fall Into Thin Air Thomas gaze was hard influenced by his mother's accusations and perhaps by his own doubts the guests were starting to get Restless I heard their murmurs their speculations some took my side others that of Martin the atmosphere of joy and love that should have rained on that day had transformed into one heavy with suspicion and judgment I felt alone betrayed humiliated how could I prove my innocence how could I convince

Thomas the man I loved more than anything that I had done nothing wrong the minutes passed endlessly every second that passed seemed to drive a deeper wedge between Thomas and me I saw our future all our dreams and plans crumbling before my eyes finally unable to bear this situation any longer I made a decision with all the dignity I could muster I turned to Thomas if you can't trust me today I said in a shaky but determined voice then maybe we shouldn't get married at all a dead silence fell over the assembly I saw the

shock on Thomas face but I couldn't back down I needed him to understand the seriousness of the situation to realize how much his mistrust was hurting me without waiting for his response I turned to my father and Sophie take me away from here I whispered as we headed towards the exit I heard Thomas voice calling my name but I didn't turn around my heart was in pieces my trust shattered what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life had turned into my worst nightmare as I left the church I felt the sun on

my face a cruel contrast to the storm raging in my heart I didn't know what the future held for me but one thing was certain nothing would ever be be the same again I found myself in front of the St germanes PR Church my heart in pieces and my mind in disarray the June sun which a few minutes earlier had seemed so promising to me now seemed cruy indifferent to my distress passers by stared at me intrigued by this bride crying on the steps of the church I must have put on a pitiful spectacle Sophie

held me by the shoulders gently leading me away from the entrance my father with a serious face tried to disperse the Curious people who were beginning to gather I could still hear The Echoes of the argument inside the church Martin's shrill voice dominating all the others come Emily Sophie whispered letun go somewhere quieter I let myself be guided like an automatan to a small Cafe a few steps away the boss seeing my state quickly installed us in a quiet Corner out of sight I collapsed into a chair unable to hold back my sobs any longer

how could he do this to me I sobbed my hands trembling how could he doubt me Sophie hugged me Whispering comforting words to me that I didn't even hear my father sat across from me his face showing suppressed anger my dear he said softly we all know you didn't do anything wrong this woman is crazy and Thomas Thomas should have defended you his words while comforting only increased the pain in my chest yes Thomas should have defend offended me he should have believed in me in us but he hadn't done it suddenly the cafe door

burst open Thomas stood there out of breath his eyes red my heart leapt in my chest a mixture of Hope and fear Emily he said approaching our table we need to talk my father jumped up placing himself between Thomas and me I think you've done enough boy he growled but I put a hand on my father's arm still I needed to hear what T Thomas had to say maybe he would apologize maybe he would finally believe me it's okay Dad I said in a weak voice let him talk Thomas approached hesitant I could see the

conflict in his eyes the struggle between his love for me and his duty to his family Emily he began I'm sorry about what happened at the church my mother she's upset this ring means a lot to her I couldn't believe leave my ears after everything that had just happened he was still justifying his mother's actions and me Thomas I asked my voice shaking with anger and sorrow don't I mean anything to you how could you think I would steal anything Thomas looked down unable to meet my gaze I don't know what to think Emily my

mother is so sure of herself it was too much the pain in my chest turned into cold rage I stood up facing the man I thought I knew who I thought I loved is your mother sure of herself I repeated incredulous and me Thomas are you not sure of me of my Integrity of my love for you the cafe patrons were now staring at us openly captivated by our drama playing out before them but I didn't care all that mattered in that moment was Thomas and me and the chasm that seemed to widen between us

Emily try to understand Thomas pleaded this is a difficult situation for everyone if you could just I didn't let him finish if I could what Thomas confess to a crime I didn't commit except being treated like a thief on my wedding day the tension was palpable Sophie and my father were ready to intervene feeling that the situation could degenerate at any moment it was then that Thomas spoke the words that would change everything words I never thought I would hear from his mouth maybe if you just confessed we could work things out he said his

voice barely audible time seemed to stand still I stared at Thomas searching in his eyes for a trace of the man I loved the man I trusted but all I saw was a stranger without thinking my hand left the slap echoed throughout the cafe startling the other customers Thomas took a step back shocked his cheek reing where my hand had hit him how dare you I cried tears flowing freely down my cheeks how dare you ask me to confess to something I didn't do the silence that followed was deafening Thomas looked at me a hand

on his cheek disbelief written on his face then in an instant his expression changed surprise gave way to anger anger I had never seen in him before what happened next will forever be etched in my memory as the moment my world fell apart for good Thomas raised his hand I experienced the movement as if in slow motion unable to react then pain exploded across my cheek as his fist made contact with my face I staggered backwards barely caught by Sophie the cries of surprise and indignation from the other customers of the cafe reached me as

if through a fog my father threw himself at Thomas pinning him against the wall you bastard my father roared shaking Thomas like a plum tree how dare you lay a hand on my daughter the owner of the cafe intervened separating the two men out he shouted everyone get out of here before I call the police Sophie was already guiding me towards the exit protecting me from the curious and horrified looks of the other customers my father followed us giving Thomas one last murderous look before slamming the cafe door once outside the reality of what had

just happened Hit me hard the man I loved the man I was going to marry had just hit me the shock the pain the Betrayal everything mixed together in a whirlwind of emotions that I couldn't untangle we need to go to the hospital Sophie said examining my cheek which was starting to swell but I shook my head no I whispered I just want to go home my father nodded understanding my need to get away from this place from these memories he hailed a taxi and soon we were driving through the streets of Paris leaving behind

the church the C and the ruins of what should have been the happiest day of my life the journey took place in heavy silence I looked out the window Without Really seeing the landscape passing by the Lively streets of Paris the crowded Cafe Terraces the couples handin hand everything seemed to belong to another world a world to which I no longer belonged when we got home Sophie helped me up the stairs my legs were shaking and I felt drained of all energy once in my apartment I headed straight to the bathroom I needed to see

to see for myself the mirror reflected back to me the image of a stranger a woman with rened eyes smeared makeup a bruise already forming on her cheek my wedding dress that symbol of joy and hope now seemed a cruel irony I slowly took it off letting the white fabric slide to my feet every movement reminded me of pain physical and emotional Sophie knocked gently on the door Emily do you need help no I replied in a voice I didn't recognize I just need to be alone for a while I heard his footsteps moving away

and the murmur of his conversation with my father in the living room they were worried about me I knew it but in that moment I couldn't face their worry their pity I slipped into the shower letting the hot water run over my body the tears mixed with the water and I finally gave free rain to my sorrow how how did we get here how could love turn so quickly into something so ugly so painful when I finally came out of the bathroom wrapped in a bathrobe I found Sophie and my father sitting in the living

room they jumped up when they saw me worry showing on their faces my dear my father began maybe we should go file a complaint but I shook my head no dad not now I can't I can't face this right now he nodded understanding despite the anger that still Shone in his eyes Sophie came closer gently taking me in her arms I'll stay with you tonight she said it wasn't a question I nodded grateful the idea of facing this night alone scared me more than I wanted to admit that night lying in bed I listened to

the regular breathing of Sophie who was sleeping on the sofa in the living room sleep eluded me my mind constantly replaying the events of the day Thomas doubt his mother's accusation the slap the blow each memory was like a dagger in my heart as the first light of dawn began to filter through the curtains I made a decision I couldn't let this day Define the rest of my life I had been a victim yes but I refused to remain a victim somehow I had to find the strength to move forward to rebuild my life with

this resolution I finally felt sleep overtaking me a Restless sleep populated by confused dreams but asleep all the same and when I woke up I would have to face a new day a new reality a reality where I was no longer the bride to be but a woman betrayed hurt but determined to get back up the next morning I was awakened by a ray of sunlight filtering through the curtains for a brief moment everything seemed normal then the Searing pain in my cheek brought me back to reality the events of the day before came flooding

back to me like a tide wave leaving me breathless I sat up slowly in my bed each movement seeming to require superhuman effort my reflection in my dresser mirror made me wince a purplish hemmat Omar spread across my left cheek a cruel testimony to Thomas's betrayal Sophie was still sleeping on the living room sofa I quietly slipped out of the room not wanting to wake her in the kitchen I turned on the coffee maker The Familiar sound bringing a semblance of normal to what was shaping up to be anything but a normal day my phone

which I had turned off the day before was taunting me on the counter I knew I would have to turn it on at some point face the outside world but not now not right away the coffee flowed slowly it's Aroma filling the kitchen I stared at the filling cup trying to collect my thoughts what should I do now how was I going to explain the situation to my family my friends my colleagues shame and anger wed within me leaving me confused and exhausted Emily Sophie's sleepy voice pulled me from my thoughts she stood in the

doorway her hair disheveled her face marked with worry how are you feeling I Shrugged my shoulders unable to find the words to describe the Whirlwind of emotions inside me Sophie came closer enveloping me in a silent Embrace this simple gesture of affection brought back the tears that I had been holding back since I woke up I'm here she whispered rubbing my back gently we're going to get through this together we stayed like that for a moment The Silence of the kitchen broken only by the sound of the coffee maker finally I slowly pulled away wiping

my eyes thanks for staying I said my voice horse from crying Sophie Smiles at me sadly that's normal that's what friends are for right we sat at the kitchen table each with a steaming cup of coffee the silence stretched between us comfortable but full of unsaid words maybe you should go see a doctor Sophie suggested gently pointing to my cheek with her chin I shook my head it'll be okay it's just a bruise Sophie frowned visibly disagreeing but didn't persist she knew when not to push what are you going to do now she asked after

a moment that was the million euro question what was I going to do my world had Fallen apart in the space of a day the future that I had imagined planned had evaporated like smoke I don't know I finally admitted I guess I'll have to cancel the honeymoon tell the guests that the wedding is cancelled face my family my colleagues the to-do list seemed endless and overwhelming how was I going to explain what happened the truth seemed too cruel too humiliating to share you don't have to do everything right away Sophie said placing her hand

on mine take the time you need I nodded grateful for his understanding but I knew I couldn't put off the inevitable forever with a sigh I reached for my phone it was time to Face Reality as soon as I turned on the device it started vibrating frantically dozens of notifications appeared missed calls messages emails most came from family and friends worried about not having any news a few came from Thomas my finger remained hovering over his name should I read his messages what could he possibly have to say to me after what he had done

before I could make a decision the phone started ringing my mother's name appeared on the screen I took a deep breath and answered hello Mom Emily my God finally we were worried to death what happened where are you my mother's questions poured out like a torrent I closed my eyes searching for the strength to respond I'm home Mom I said softly I'm fine it's just the wedding is cancelled there was silence on the other end of the line then in a hesitant voice cancelled but why what happened my darling I glanced at Sophie who nodded

encouragingly taking a deep breath I began to recount the events of the day before the accusations from Thomas mother his lack of confidence in me the argument at the cafe when I got to the moment when Thomas had hit me my voice cracked the shocked gasp from my mother on the other end of the line made me realize how serious the situation was oh darling she whispered her voice trembling with emotion I'll be right there despite my protests she insisted on coming an hour later she was at my door her arms full of shopping bags

I thought you might not want to go out she explained placing the bags on the kitchen counter his gaze lingered on my face and I saw his eyes fill with tears without a word she took me in her arms holding me tight against her like when I was little the day passed in a blur of telephone conversations and visits my father arrived shortly after my mother anger and worry Waring across his face my brothers called offering to look after Thomas an offer I firmly declined despite a little voice inside me that found the idea tempting

Sophie stayed by my side screening calls managing visitors making sure I ate and rested his presence was a rock I clung to in the storm of my emotions towards the end of the afternoon just as I was starting to feel overwhelmed by everything that was going on my phone rang again Thomas name appeared on the screen the room seemed to freeze my parents and Sophie looked at me waiting for my reaction my heart was racing as I stared at the the screen unsure you don't have to answer my father said softly but I knew I

had to do it if I wanted to move forward I had to face this conversation with a trembling hand I answered hello Emily Thomas voice was horar as if he had been crying I I'm so sorry I don't know what came over me I stop I interrupted surprising even myself with the firmness of my voice you can't erase what you youve done with an apology Thomas there was silence on the other end of the line then in a broken voice I know I know I ruined everything but I have to see you there's something you

need to know my heart leapt in my chest what could he possibly have to say to me part of me wanted to hang up to cut all ties but another part smaller but insistant wanted answers I don't think that's a good idea I finally said please Emily he pleaded just once after that if you never want to see me again I'll understand I closed my eyes weighing the pros and cons finally curiosity W out okay I conceded but not today and not alone we agreed to meet the next day at a cafe near my house

Sophie insisted on accompanying me and I accepted gratefully after hanging up I turned to my family and Sophie their faces reflected a mixture of concern and support are you sure you want to see him my mother asked her voice tinged with apprehension I nodded I need to know I need to understand why all this happened that night I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling unable to fall asleep what could Thomas have to say to me what could possibly justify what had happened as Dawn began to break I got up resigned to a sleepless

night I made myself a coffee and sat on the balcony watching Paris slowly wake up whatever this day had in store for me I knew one thing nothing would ever be the same again but maybe just maybe I would find the answers I needed to start healing the day of my meeting with Thomas dawned gray and threatening the Parisian Sky seemed to reflect my state of mind heavy with unanswered questions and apprehension I prepared mechanically choosing simple e comfortable clothes far from the wedding dress I should have worn for our honeymoon Sophie arrived early her

face full of worry and determination are you sure you want to do this she asked me for the eenth time I nodded unable to put into words the complex mix of emotions swirling inside me fear anger curiosity a remnant of Love perhaps everything was mixed up in Indescribable chaos we headed towards the Cafe des artists a small quiet establishment where Thomas and I used to go the choice of this place suddenly seemed cruel to me full of happy memories that contrasted painfully with current reality Thomas was already there when we arrived he was sitting at

a table in the back his pale drawn face betraying his lack of sleep when he saw us he stood up awkwardly visibly hesitating how to greet us Emily he said softly his eyes lingering on my face on the still visible Mark of his blow guilt and shame were clearly visible in his eyes Thomas I replied coldly sitting down without offering him my hand Sophie took a seat next to me her presence reassuring a heavy silence settled the waiter came to take our orders providing a brief welcome distraction finally Thomas took a deep breath thank you

for coming he began I know I don't deserve you to listen to me but get to the point Thomas I interrupted you said you had something to tell me so say it he nodded his hands playing nervously with his coffee cup after after what happened at the church and at the cafe I went home to my parents I was I was lost angry confused and then he paused seeming to search for words I felt my heart speed up anticipating what was coming next I found the ring he finally blurted out the world seemed to stop

for a moment what I whispered incredulous my grandmother's emerald ring Thomas continued his voice barely above a whisper it was in my mother's room she had just misplaced it I felt anger Rising inside me like a wave lost I repeated my voice trembling with suppressed rage she accused me of stealing ruined our marriage and all because she misplaced her ring Thomas looked down unable to meet my gaze I'm so sorry Emily I should have believed you I should have yes you should have I exploded attracting looks from the other customers but at that moment I

didn't care you should have trusted me you should have defended me instead you you had me words failed me memories of the blow resurfaced Reviving The Pain and humiliation Sophie placed a soothing hand on my arm calm down Emily she whispered then turning to Thomas and your mother what did she say when you found the ring Thomas face Twisted into a Grimes of Shame she she refused to admit her mistake she said that she had probably put it there and forgotten but that Emily could still have taken it and put it back I couldn't believe

my ears even in the face of the evidence this woman refused to admit her wrongs and you believed her I asked incredulous Thomas shook his head vigorously no of course not I I had a huge argument with her I told her that her behavior was unacceptable that she had ruined our marriage our happiness he paused running a trembling hand through his hair I left their house I haven't spoken to them since a heavy silence settled at our table I stared at my coffee cup trying to digest this new information part of me was relieved that

the truth had come out that my innocence had been proven but another larger part remained hurt and angry for what I finally asked my voice barely above a whisper why didn't you believe me from the start Thomas looked up at me his gaze filled with remorse I wish I had a good answer to give you Emily the truth is that I was a coward I always had trouble standing up to my mother you know that and that day faced with his accusations I I panicked I should have trusted you I should have remembered everything we

had experienced together but I left the fear and the doubt take over his words resonated within me bringing back memories of our past discussions about his complicated relationship with his mother how many times had I tried to encourage him to assert himself in front of her how many times had I witnessed his discomfort at family dinners that's not an excuse Thomas continued interrupting my thoughts nothing can excuse what I did hitting you it's unforgivable I will never forgive myself I felt tears welling up in my eyes you're right I said softly this is unforgivable Thomas

nodded accepting my words I know I didn't come here to ask you to forgive me Emily I just wanted you to know the truth you deserve at least that we remained silent for a moment each lost in our thoughts coffee around us continued its activity the conversations and the noise of the cups forming a strange sound background to our personal drama what are you going to do now Sophie asked breaking the silence Thomas House her shoulders I don't really know I took a leave at work I think I need to step back think about it

all maybe maybe consult a therapist I don't want to never again be this man who raised his hand on the woman he loves his words touched me more than I wanted to admit despite everything that had happened a little part of me was relieved to see that he recognized the gravity of his actions and you Emily he asked softly what are you going to do I took a deep inspiration realizing that I had not really thought about this question in recent days had been a whirlwind of emotions and reactions leaving me shortly to think about

the future I don't know I admit I guess I will have to officially cancel the wedding warn the guests and then there is work I don't know how I will explain all that I can help you proposed Thomas for the cancellations I mean to say the least I hesitated for a moment before noing my head okay but I prefer that it is Sophie who does the intermediary I don't think I am ready to have more contact with you for the moment Thomas nodded understanding of course I understand while our meeting was coming to an end

I felt strangely empty the revelation of the truth should have given me a feeling of satisfaction of justice but instead I just felt tired tired and sad for everything that had been lost we lifted ourselves the heavy atmosphere of unsaid and regret when leaving Thomas made a gesture as if to touch me but was delighted at the last moment I'm really sorry Emily he said one last time for everything I looked at him this man I liked whom I thought I knew despite pain and anger I couldn't help but feel a hint of pity for

him goodbye Thomas I said simply before I diverted me Sophie and I left coffee leaving behind not only Thomas but also the broken remains of what should have been our future together while we were walking in the streets of Paris I felt a weight getting up of my shoulders the truth was finally known my name was washed with any suspicion but I knew that the path to healing would be long broken confidence annihilated dreams physical and emotional pain all this would take time to heal however for the first time since that fateful day in cherk

h i felt a glimmer of hope maybe one day I could look back and see this event not as the end of everything but as the start of a new chapter in my life the days following my meeting with Thomas passed through a fog of reflection and introspection the revelation of the truth about the ring had brought a certain relief but it had also opened the door to a myriad of questions about my future every morning I woke up with a feeling of emptiness as if I floated in a space between my old life and

a new one that I could not yet imagine Sophie faithful to her promise took care of the logistics of the cancellation of marriage she managed calls to guests the caterer the florist sparing me the pain of having to explain again and again why the big day would not take place I was infinitely grateful to her even if each time she made me a report I felt my heart tighten a little more one morning when I took my coffee on the balcony of my apartment looking at Paris to wake up my phone Vibra it was a

message from Thomas I started therapy I know it doesn't change anything I did but I wanted you to know take care of you Emily I stared at the screen for a long time not knowing how to react part of me was relieved that he was looking for help Rec recognizing that he had problems solving another game remained suspicious wondering if it was not just an attempt to regain my sympathy this message was the Catalyst I needed to start thinking seriously about my future until then I had been in a kind of survival mode managing day-to-day

emergencies but it was time to make decisions I decided to take a few days off to think my boss understanding in front of my situation accepted without hesitation take the the time you need Emily he told me your work will be there when you come back the first day I went to the Luxembourg Garden it was a place where Thomas and I liked to walk discuss our projects for the future today I went there alone a notebook in hand determined to put order in my thoughts sitting on a bench facing the large pool I started

writing my feelings my fears my hopes everything poured out on paper in an uninterrupted low I realized how much I needed this moment this cathis over the writing one thing was clear I couldn't go back even if Thomas followed therapy even if he changed confidence had been irreparably broken the blow he had brought to me had left a much deeper brand than that now almost erased on my cheek on the second day I met my mother for lunch we settled on the Terrace of a small beastro taking advantage of the spring Sun how are you

really darling she asked her eyes scrutinizing my face with concern I took a deep breath it's better I think I start to see more clearly she nodded encouraging me to continue I think I think I can't forgive Thomas I said slowly at least not now maybe never my mother took my hand in hers it's normal Emily what he did is serious you don't have to forgive his words comforted me more than I I would have thought having the permission not to forgive not to try to save a relationship that had injured me so much at

all costs was liberating what are you planning to do now she asked I think for a moment before answering I think I need to change the air maybe take sabatical leave travel a little the idea had germinated in my mind the day before while I was distractedly leing through a travel magazine the image of a white sandy beach in SE shells had made me dream of an escape AP again my mother Smiles I think it's a great idea you need to find yourself to rebuild yourself far from it all on the third day I met

Sophie in our favorite Cafe I told him about my Reflections my desire to leave I'm proud of you Emily she said hugging me you take care of yourself it's the most important we spent the afternoon exploring potential destinations dreaming of Adventures and New Horizons for the first time for a long time I have been surprised to laugh to project myself into the future with enthusiasm on the fourth day I returned to work I had made my decision in my boss's office I took a deep inspiration before speaking I would like to take sabatical leave I

announced I need to step back to travel a little my boss listened to me carefully nodding my head with understanding I think it's a wise decision Emily how long do you you think you are going 6 months I replied surprised by my own audacity if it is possible of course to my surprise he accepted without hesitation you are a precious employee Emily take the time you need your post will wait for you when you return relief and gratitude invaded me this conversation marked the concrete start of my new chapter the following days were a whirlwind

of preparations I finally choose the SE shells as the first destination with the idea of perhaps exploring other countries afterwards Sophie helped me plan my route excited as if it was she who was leaving a week after my meeting with Thomas I found myself again in front of him this time it was I who asked to see it we ended up in a park neutral land I am leaving I announced to him without Preamble I took sabatical leave I'm going to travel for 6 months Thomas looked at me a glimmer of sadness in the eyes

but also of understanding I understand he said slowly you need that I nodded yes I need to meet heel a silence settled between us responsible for unsaid and regret I'm sorry Emily he said finally for everything I hope you can forgive me I looked at him this man I liked whom I thought I knew despite the pain and the anger that remained I felt a form of Peace invaded me maybe one day I said slowly but not now now I need to think of me we separated on these words a page turning permanently in our

lives the day of my departure arrived quickly on the station platform ready to take the train for the airport I was surrounded by my family and Sophie the goodbye were moving but tinged with hope and exitation take care of you my darling said my mother hugging Me In Her Arms take advantage of it but don't forget to give us news added my father with a smile Sophie was the last to hug me I will miss you so much she whispered but I'm so proud of you as I got on the train my bag on my

shoulder I felt light for the first time in weeks the future was uncertain but he was mine I had made my decision chose to focus on myself on my healing and my personal growth the train started slowly leaving the station I looked out by the window seeing Paris move away part of me felt sadness leaving so many memories behind me good and bad but another stronger part was filled with hope and anticipation I did not know what these six months were going to bring me I didn't know who I would be on my return but

I knew one thing I had made the right decision this adventure was the first step towards my reconstruction towards a stronger wiser Emily ready to kiss life with a new look while the landscape marched before my eyes I took out my newspaper and began to write not on the past this time but on the future on my hopes my dreams the things I wanted to accomplish for the first time in a long time I really felt free Mistress of my Dy and why the trip was just beginning and I was ready to welcome him with

open arms the son of the SE shells caressed my skin while I woke up gently rocked by the sound of the wave AV it has been a month since I had left Paris for a month leaving behind a life that now seemed to me to belong to another person each morning opening my eyes to this Earthly Paradise I felt a little lighter a little more myself the first days had been difficult despite the breathtaking beauty of the island I felt lost disoriented the jet lag was only an excuse to hide the real Gap that I

felt the one between the life I had imagined and the one I lived now but little by by little I started opening up to this new reality I spent my days exploring the island getting lost in its Lush forests swimming in its crystal clear waters each evening sitting on the beach I contemplated the sun on the Indian Ocean its flamboyant colors seeming to take with them a little more of my pain it was during one of these evenings that I got to know Luke a French photographer who has been traveling the world for years we

had started to discuss sharing our travel experiences and our stories Without Really realizing it I surprised myself to tell him my story that of marriage that had not taken place betrayal violence Luke had listened to me without judging simply offering an attentive ear and a shoulder on which cry that night for the first time for a long time I felt a weight getting up of my shoulders talking to a stranger someone who did not know Thomas or my life in Paris had a cathartic effect that I had not anticipated the following days Luke and I

continued to see us he had introduced me to photography teaching me to capture the beauty of the island through the lens I had discovered a new passion a way to express what I felt without needing words one evening when we were sorting our photos of the day Luke looked at me with an enigmatic smile you know Emily he said I think you should consider extending your trip I had laughed thinking he was joking but his gaze was serious I'm serious he continued I have a friend who runs a Diving Center in Thailand he is looking

for someone to help him with Administration and communication it could be a great opportunity for you the idea first seemed to me crazy me in Thailand working in a Diving Center it was light years from my Parisian life my work in finance but the more I thought about it the more the idea made its way wasn't that exactly what I needed a chance to reinvent me completely far from everything that reminded me of my old life after several days of reflection and long conversations with Sophie via Skype I made my decision I was going to

do it I was going to extend my sabatical leave and leave for Thailand the day of my departure from the SE shells was both sad and exciting I say goodbye to Luke thanking him for his friendship and for having opened my eyes to new possibilities he made me promise to send him photos of my adventures in Thailand the arrival in Bangkok was a culture shock spicy smells constant noise wet heat everything was so different from what I knew but Strangely I felt in my place in this organized chaos the Diving Center was on a small

island in southern Thailand as soon as I arrived I was welcomed by Mark the friend of Luke a French expatriate for more than 10 years his enthusiasm was contagious and I surprised myself to smile more than I had done for months the first weeks were intense I learned the basis of diving while taking care of the administration of the center it was a demanding but rewarding job each evening exhausted but satisfied I fell asleep to the sound of the Waves a feeling of peace that Suits Me little by little one day while I was working

on the Center website Mark came to see me with an unexpected proposal Emily he said I saw the photo photos you took they are really good what would you like to use them for our new brochure I was surprised and flattered Luke's lessons had borne fruit but I had never thought that my photos could be used professionally it was the start of a new adventure in addition to my administrative work I began to document the life of the Diving Center I photographed divers colored fish coral reefs each shot reminded me how beautiful and surprising life

could be the months passed and I realized that I no longer wanted to return to Paris my life here simple but filled filled me in a way that I would never have imagined one evening sitting on the beach watching the sunset I released my phone and composed the number of my former boss in Paris hello Jean Pierre I said when he picked up I hope I don't mind Emily what a pleasure to hear you how is your trip going I took a deep breath that's just what I wanted to tell you about I I don't

think I come back to Paris there was a moment of silence at the other end of the line I see he said finally are you sure of yourself yes I replied surprised by my own certainty I found something here a life that suits me I know it's unexpected but Emily he interrupted me gently you don't have to justify yourself I am happy for you you deserve this happiness his his words touched me deeply after hanging up I remained long to contemplate the ocean reflecting on the path traveled the next day I called my family and

Sophie to tell them my decision they were surprised of course but also incredibly understanding and supporting you look happy darling said my mother that's all that matters to us Sophie faithful to herself was already planning her visit you still don't think I'm going to let you live this dream alone she joked the weeks that followed were filled with changes I found a small Bungalow near the beach began to learn the tie and invest myself even more in my work in the Diving Center one evening when I sorted my photos of the day I came across

an old image of me and Thomas I was surprised to see that the pain I expected to feel was absent instead I felt a sweet Melancholy almost gratitude without this painful experience I would never have had the courage to leave everything to really discover myself I took my newspaper and started writing as I did every night since my departure from Paris but this time instead of talking about the past I wrote about the future on my projects to develop my skills in photography on my desire to explore other islands in the region on the piece

that I had found here by closing my newspaper I realized that for the first time for a long time I was really happy not in a brilliant and noisy way but in a deep and Serene way the path had been long and difficult but I had finally found my place here on this little Thai Island I found much more than a new start I had found a new Emily stronger wiser ready to kiss life in all its complexity while I fell asleep that night rocked by the sound of the Waves I smile tomorrow would be

a new day filled with new adventures new challenges and I was ready to face them a photo at a time time