Out of Ashes Into His Heart novel Chapter 1

"From today onward, I start anew!"

As I waited for my test results at the hospital, I scrolled through my husband Gavin Gould's ex, Mandy Green's, social media post. She had proudly shared a picture of her divorce certificate with a declaration of newfound freedom.

I was still in a daze when the doctor's cheerful voice broke my thoughts.

"Congratulations, Grace Summers! You're pregnant!"

I looked up sharply, stunned, unable to believe I had just heard. A flood of joy overwhelmed me.

After a year of trying, I was finally pregnant with Gavin's child!

My hands instinctively moved to my lower abdomen, a mixture of happiness and subtle melancholy swirling within me. Who would have thought that the moment I had been longing for—having a baby—would coincide with Mandy's announcement of a fresh start?

"Congratulations, Ms. Summers," the nurse, who had grown familiar with me during my countless visits to the hospital, beamed with genuine excitement. "You have to tell your husband the good news right away! He'll be thrilled!"

Smiling, I nodded, gently stroking my stomach. "Yes, he's been waiting for this moment for so long too."

"Make sure he comes with you for the prenatal checkups from now on," she teased. "You're the family's VIP now! No matter how busy he is, nothing's more important than you."

I smiled at her warmth, though her words stirred a bittersweet feeling. Over the past year, I had been the one making all the visits to the hospital alone. There was nothing wrong with me physically, yet there had been no sign of pregnancy.

The doctor had even hinted it might be Gavin's issue, suggesting a low sperm count, and recommended he undergo a checkup. But I couldn't bring myself to risk his pride. Instead, I begged the doctor for ovulation-stimulating medication, which I had been taking for months without success.

And now, after a full year, it had finally happened.

Thrilled, I bid farewell to the doctor and nurse and hurried out, clutching my test results. I couldn't wait to share the news with Gavin at his office.

As I reached my car, my phone buzzed. It was my mom, Elizabeth Wells calling.

I composed myself, inhaled deeply, and answered cheerfully, "Hi, Mom!"

"Grace, weren't you planning to visit the hospital with Gavin today? When will you two get here? I asked Alex to meet you at the entrance," she said, her voice weak but warm.

Ever since her late-stage liver cancer diagnosis, my mother had been longing to see me and Gavin have a proper wedding. She couldn't let go of me, her only worry.

Although Gavin and I were legally married, we had delayed the ceremony, because his grandfather, Walter Gould had fallen seriously ill. I had told my mother the marriage certificate held more legal weight than a wedding.

But to her, the wedding meant everything.

Outside of Gould family events, Gavin rarely brought me along to social gatherings, and my mother knew her time was running out. Her greatest wish was to see us walk down the aisle.

To grant her peace of mind, I mustered my courage and asked Gavin to prioritize the wedding. Thankfully, he agreed, and we had been busy planning it ever since.

"Mom, don't let Alex run around too much. We'll call him when we arrive," I reassured her.

"Alright, take your time. And if Gavin's too busy with work, don't push him too hard. You can come alone to see me," she said, her concern evident.

"Don't worry, Mom. Gavin promised he'd come to see you with me. He won't let you down."

"That's good to hear. That's good."

After hanging up, I got into the car. Nathan Clarke, our driver, was already waiting.

"To the office," I instructed.

Nathan hesitated. "Mrs. Gould, isn't Mr. Gould not too fond of you visiting his office?"

Smiling, I placed a hand on my abdomen. "I have urgent news for him."

"But…" He seemed uneasy. "Why not give him a call first?"

His hesitation didn't surprise me. After all, it was Gavin who paid him, not me. And Gavin had made it clear that he didn't like me showing up at work unannounced.

I wavered, unsure whether to call Gavin or surprise him, when my phone rang. It was him.

Overjoyed, I answered immediately. "Honey, I—"

But before I could finish, his calm voice cut in.

"Gracie, I'm working late tonight. Don't wait for me. Have dinner by yourself."

"Then, honey, are you…" I began, only to hear a faint gasp—a woman's voice—in the background.

"I'm busy. Talk later."

He hung up abruptly before I could respond.

The dial tone echoed in my ears as my chest tightened, weighed down by an invisible stone. My heart raced, and my mind unwillingly replayed Mandy's earlier post announcing her fresh start.

As if possessed, I reopened Mandy's profile and found a new update.

"A special visit."

The post was accompanied by a photo of a man standing by a massive floor-to-ceiling window, phone in hand.

Even though it was just a silhouette, I recognized him immediately.

It was my husband—Gavin Gould.

He was with Mandy.

…

The Gould Group towered over the bustling commercial district of Fuvine.

As we approached the company building, I couldn't help but notice the massive LED screen outside the Gould Group headquarters displaying the strikingly beautiful face of Mandy Green.

She wasn't just a famous actress but also my husband's childhood sweetheart—his first love and now the spokesperson for the Gould Group's products.