Kristan felt her life was finally falling into place with Ethan, the calm and steady partner she had longed for after her whirlwind divorce. They had planned a weekend getaway at his family’s lakeside house, and she couldn’t wait to spend quality time together.

Just two days before their trip, she attended a small party, eager to reconnect with old friends. The atmosphere was light until she spotted her ex-husband, Luke. Memories flooded back as he approached, his confident stride unsettling her.

“Kristan, you look better than ever,” he said, his gaze lingering. She stiffened, determined to keep her distance.

“Thanks. I’ve moved on. I’m with Ethan now.”

Luke’s smile twisted. “The past isn’t the past until the moments that tie us together are gone. And I don’t think they are… yet.”

His words chilled her, leaving a shadow of doubt as he walked away, hinting at unresolved ties.

The next day, while excitedly preparing for her weekend, Kristan received a bouquet of flowers at work. She assumed they were from Ethan, but the note revealed they were from Luke, implying he wasn’t done with her yet. Feeling the pull of the past, she made a hasty decision to confront him.

At a hotel bar, Luke’s calm demeanor unsettled her. As he poured wine, he reached across the table, his fingers brushing her shoulder. She felt trapped, knowing she should leave but unable to move. Just then, Ethan entered, his expression turning to hurt and anger as he saw Luke’s hand on her.

Without a word, Ethan placed cash on the table and turned to Luke. “Thanks for the call, but we’re leaving.”

Kristan’s heart sank as Ethan handed her a small box—the engagement ring he had planned to give her. “I wanted to give you forever, but I guess forever means something different to both of us.”

Alone that night, she realized Luke’s manipulation had once again ensnared her. Worse, she was pregnant, with Ethan unaware of the truth about her past.

On Ethan’s birthday, she arranged a surprise celebration with his family, hoping it would soften the blow of her revelations. Handing Ethan a small box, her heart raced as he opened it to find the ultrasound picture.

The room fell silent. “I need to tell you everything,” she said, explaining Luke’s lies about their divorce.

Ethan listened, pain in his eyes, but when she finished, he stepped closer. “You should’ve told me sooner. But we’re in this together now.”

His family erupted in joy over the news, and amidst their celebration, Ethan revealed he had intended to propose that night.

“Yes,” Kristan whispered, feeling the weight of the past lift as a new chapter of love and family began.