Cherish After Losing Novel Ashley

Chapter2
It was Ashley’s birthday and she arrived in LA at 11 PM. Her phone buzzed with messages of blessing–some even from her
colleagues. However, she got nothing from her husband. The smile faded from her lips.
It was almost dawn when she arrived at the villa. Maria, the housekeeper, gasped.“Mrs. Sterling, you... you’re back?”

“Where are Chase and Sam?”
Mr. Sterling hasn’t come home yet. Sam’s in his room.”
Ashley gave Maria hér bags and went upstairs. Sam was sitting at his desk, doing something so intently that he didn’t notice her
coming in.
“Sammy?”
He turned, his face lighting up.“Mommy!” Then, he kept doing his own thing. Ashley scooped him into a hug, but he pushed her
away gently.“Mommy, I’m busy.” Three months apart felt like a lifetime. Ashley missed her son, wanting to embrace him with
kisses, to talk, to reconnect. But he was so focused.
“Sammy, are you making a seashell necklace?”
“Yeah!” He perked up.“It’s for Aunt Tanya’s birthday in five days! Daddy and I polished all the shells ourselves. Aren’t they
pretty?”
Ashley’s throat tightened. Before she could speak, Sam continued with his back to her, “Daddy got Aunt Tanya other presents
too. Tomorrow...”
11
A crushing weight settled on Ashley’s chest. She couldn’t hold back the tears anymore.“Sammy... do you remember my
birthday?”
“Huh? What?” Sam glanced at her, then turned back, grumbling, “Mommy, don’t talk to me. messing up the beads!”