The next day, Grace arrived at work early, hoping to put the events of the previous evening behind her. She sat at her desk, her mind still reeling from the confrontation with Andrew. She had made her decision, but the weight of it hung over her. She couldn't deny the ache in her chest, but she knew she had done the right thing. At least, she hoped she had.
The morning passed in a blur of phone calls and emails, but then, just as she was about to step out for lunch, she saw a familiar figure standing in the doorway of her office. It was Andrew's mother, Eleanor, her face full of quiet determination.
"Mrs. Bennett?" Grace said, startled. She wasn't sure if she should be relieved or worried by her presence.
Eleanor stepped inside, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. She was dressed impeccably, as always, and there was a calm authority in her demeanor that made Grace's stomach tighten.
"Grace," she began, her voice surprisingly soft but steady. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I need to speak with you. It's important."
Grace took a breath, her heart thudding in her chest. "Of course, Mrs. Bennett. What's this about?"
Eleanor took a seat across from her, her hands folded neatly on her lap. "I know this situation with Andrew has been difficult," she started, her tone almost sympathetic. "And I understand that you're hurt. But I think you're making a mistake. A divorce... it's not the answer, Grace."
Grace's throat tightened. "You don't understand. I've given him everything—my trust, my love. And he's asking me to share him with someone else. I can't do that. Not after everything."
Eleanor looked at her for a moment, her expression softening. "You know, in our family, we value tradition. And yes, some people in the Bible had multiple wives. It was accepted back then. Even today, there are cultures where polygamy is a part of life. What Andrew is asking of you… it isn't a sin, Grace. It's not something that should destroy everything you've built together. He loves you both, and sometimes, love isn't as simple as we want it to be."
Grace felt her stomach twist in disbelief. "Are you seriously telling me that I should accept this? That I should accept him marrying someone else, because other people have done it before? What does that even mean?"
Eleanor sighed, leaning forward, her voice lowering. "I know it's hard to understand, but Andrew didn't intend for this to hurt you. He thought you would be able to see that, in his heart, there's room for both of you. Love isn't just about exclusivity. It's about understanding and compromise. The Bible talks about loving one another, being patient and kind. You can't just throw everything away because you feel betrayed, Grace."
Grace stood up, her hands trembling at her sides. "No, Mrs. Bennett. I can't. I'm not asking for the kind of life that you're describing. I don't want to live with this constant uncertainty, this constant fear that I'm not enough. And I don't want to share him. I don't want to be a part of a marriage where I have to fight for his attention. I deserve more than that."
Eleanor didn't seem to back down, her gaze steady as she met Grace's eyes. "But think about what you're giving up, Grace. Andrew is a good man. He's made a mistake, yes, but he's asking for your forgiveness, your understanding. You've built a life together. Don't throw it away over something that can be worked through. You're strong, and I know you can learn to share him. I believe you can."
Grace shook her head, her heart pounding in her ears. "No, Mrs. Bennett. I can't. I won't."
There was a long, uncomfortable silence between them before Eleanor finally spoke, her voice quieter now. "I see. I can't make you change your mind. But you should know this, Grace—Andrew will always choose you. He's not asking you to accept Sarah. He's asking you to accept the love he has for both of you, and that's not something you should walk away from. You're making a mistake, and I just wanted to make sure you understood that."
Grace's chest tightened, the emotion choking her words. "I understand. But I've already made my decision. I'm sorry."
Eleanor stood up, her face a mask of disappointment. "If that's your choice, then there's nothing more to say. But I hope you'll reconsider before it's too late."
With that, Eleanor turned and left, the door closing softly behind her. Grace stood there for a moment, her mind swirling. She hadn't expected her mother-in-law to show up like this, to try to convince her to stay. But as much as she wanted to believe that Andrew could somehow make everything work, she knew deep down that her heart couldn't bear to live in a relationship that would always feel incomplete.
She had made her choice. And as painful as it was, she had to stand by it.