The next morning, I woke up with one thought in my mind—
Housewarming.
I sat on my bed for a moment, staring at my phone.
This wasn't just a simple gathering anymore.
It felt like… everything was slowly coming together.
My past.My present.And the truth I've been hiding for six years.
"Mommmm, are we decorating today?" – Xia ran into my room excitedly.
"Yes, baby. But before that, we need to invite a few more people," I said, picking up my phone.
"More people? Yayyy!" – Xayden joined in.
The first person that came to my mind was—
Maxine.
My best friend.
The only one who knew everything.
About him.
About my pregnancy.
About why I left.
I quickly called her.
"Hello?"
"Max…" I smiled softly.
"ANNA?!" she almost screamed. "Don't tell me—you're finally doing a housewarming?!"
I laughed. "Yes… and you have to come."
"I don't care what date or time. I'll be there," she said immediately. "And I want to see those babies."
My heart felt lighter.
"Thank you… really."
"You don't need to thank me. But Anna…" her tone softened, "are you ready?"
I knew what she meant.
Yushen.
"…I don't know," I admitted honestly.
After the call, I continued scrolling through my contacts.
Next—
My ex-colleagues.
Hana.Niss.Xiaoyen.Anne.Hani.Fin
People who knew him…
But never knew us.
I sent them a group message:
"Hi guys! I just moved back and I'm hosting a small housewarming this weekend. Would love for you all to come!"
Almost instantly, replies started coming in.
"Wahhh finally!""You disappear 6 years then suddenly invite!""Of course we come!"
I smiled.
Some things never change.
I paused for a moment when I saw Fin's name.
Back then… he used to like me.
But now—
He's married.
They all are.
Time really moved on for everyone.
Except… me.
"Mom, who else?" – Xia asked, peeking at my phone.
"My university friends," I said.
Sianna.Nour.Maria.Bienda.
The people who knew me before everything.
Before love.
Before heartbreak.
Before I became a mother.
I sent them messages one by one.
And just like that—
The housewarming started to feel real.
By afternoon, the house slowly filled with small preparations.
Decorations.Food planning.Laughter from the kids.
But in the middle of all that noise…
My mind drifted.
Maxine knows everything.
The others know nothing.
And him…
He knows nothing at all.
"Mom, are you okay?" – Xayden asked suddenly.
I blinked, coming back to reality.
"Yeah… I'm okay."
But deep down—
I know this housewarming…
Is not just a gathering.
It's a moment where two worlds will collide.
And I don't know—
How long I can keep the truth hidden.