Glancing Out The Window By Seema Khatoon Story Description: In “Glancing Out The Window,” Debbi, a devoted mother and wife in her forties, finds strength and peace in the simplicity of everyday life. While balancing her children’s upbringing, housekeeping, studies, and health struggles, she learns that true beauty lies not in luxury but in the heart. Through quiet reflection and unwavering faith, Debbi discovers that education, patience, and love are the real treasures that shape a fulfilling life. Debbi was an ordinary woman in her early forties—active, graceful, and quietly determined. Her life wasn’t glamorous, but it carried meaning. She woke up before sunrise, prepared breakfast, and gently woke her children for school. Her days were filled with household chores, endless laundry, and the hum of responsibilities that never seemed to pause. Still, Debbi faced each morning with a smile, whispering to herself that tomorrow would be kinder. Her lifestyle was unlike that of other women ...
Beautiful Lies, Shattered Ties
A Story of Love, Betrayal, and Unraveled Promises
Katty took everything in life seriously—especially love. But her marriage shattered her completely.
In her early 40s, Katty was a striking woman. Her emerald green eyes lit up her golden-brown shoulder-length hair. With a European mother and a Canadian father, she carried both grace and strength. She met Jimmy at work, and it was love at first sight. After seven years together, they got married, and life seemed steady.
Jimmy, in his early 30s, was shorter than most, with Irish roots. He had an older brother still living in Ireland and worked in journalism like Katty.
One day, Jimmy had to travel to Frankfurt, Germany, for work. That’s where he met Ashley—young, energetic, and passionate about writing. She was a senior university student in her late 20s, working as an intern editor at a newspaper. Jimmy never told her he was married. They became close, and when he left Germany, they stayed in touch through Facebook. A secret relationship began.
Ashley dreamed of securing a permanent position and moving abroad. Jimmy warned her, “Ashley, I don’t have a fixed place. I travel all the time.” Ashley looked away, wiping her eyes, hiding the sting of rejection. Instead of wallowing, she poured herself into work. Her co-editor, Gabbie, praised her dedication. She also supported her younger brother’s dream of becoming a soccer player and donated part of her allowance to “The Promise Foundation.”
Meanwhile, back home in Bloomingdale, Katty was excited about Jimmy’s return. She prepared a bouquet, bought him a watch, and wrote a heartfelt welcome card. Stressed by her own workload, she was also planning to start a new job and couldn’t wait to share the news with Jimmy.
When he arrived, they hugged warmly. He gulped water, pulled a small velvet box from his pocket, and handed her a necklace. “This is beautiful. I’ve never had anything like it,” Katty said, touched. She handed him her gifts. “Wow, for me?” he smiled. As he admired the bouquet, a message from his manager came through—he was about to be laid off.
“I’ll be starting a new job soon,” Jimmy said.
“Me too,” Katty replied. She had applied for a receptionist role at Frances Hospital. Jimmy began searching for a banking job. Within three weeks, both landed their new roles.
One evening, Jimmy left his phone on the table and went to the washroom. A message popped up:
Ashley: “Jimmy, I’m coming tomorrow. Pick me up from the airport.”
The screen faded to black. Katty didn’t ask—but she took note.
Later, as Jimmy relaxed on the couch watching TV, Katty offered him lemon cookies and almonds. “No thanks, I’m good,” he replied.
That night, Katty read a magazine in bed. Jimmy’s phone rang; he answered and returned to bed without saying much. Katty, growing more suspicious, turned her back to him and tried to sleep.
The next morning, another message appeared:
Ashley: “I arrived and I’m waiting for you.”
Jimmy’s face flushed with panic. He stepped outside to the patio where Katty was watering her plants.
“Katty,” he said nervously, “I wanted to ask... would it be alright if Ashley stayed with us for a couple of weeks? She’s a friend and needs help until she finds a job and place to stay.”
“Umm... ah. Okay,” Katty replied, hesitant but composed.
As Jimmy drove to the airport, Katty prepared the guest room. While hanging his suit in the closet, she noticed a bracelet peeking from the jacket pocket—one she didn’t recognize.
On the drive home, Ashley confessed, “I’m two months pregnant.”
Jimmy froze. “You can’t have this baby,” he said. “I have a wife—Katty. What we had... it was a mistake.”
Ashley’s eyes narrowed. “I’m keeping it.”
When they arrived, Katty welcomed Ashley with a polite smile. A week passed. Jimmy kept taking Ashley to her doctor appointments. Katty offered her coffee one day.
“Just apple juice, thanks,” Ashley declined.
While doing laundry, Katty found a doctor's visit summary tucked under Ashley’s pillow. Her heart stopped. Ashley was pregnant.
She tried to stay calm—until one afternoon, Ashley’s phone, left on the couch, lit up:
Jimmy: “Just listen. Abort the child. Ashley!”
Katty stared at the screen. Her hands trembled. Her world cracked open.
She rushed out of the house, tears streaming down her face. Her heart pounded with betrayal. Katty drove away, breaking all ties with Jimmy—her voice sobbing inside the silence of the car.
She didn’t stop until she reached ParkRidge Village, where she had grown up in a quiet garden apartment. As she stepped inside, the room felt frozen in time. A reflection of a seven-year-old boy appeared in the hallway mirror. He ran, then paused—staring at her with silent understanding. Eleven seconds later, he vanished.
Katty closed the door behind her and breathed in the stillness. She was finally alone—but free.
“Have you ever had to walk away from someone you loved to protect your peace?”
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