Asher's eyes scanned the letter, his expression growing increasingly somber. Emma could sense the weight of the secret bearing down on him.
"This letter is from my past," Asher said finally, his voice measured. "There's something I need to tell you, Emma. Something I should have told you a long time ago."
Emma's heart raced as she waited for Asher to continue. She could see the struggle in his eyes, the battle between revealing the truth and keeping it hidden.
"I have a child," Asher said, the words tumbling out like a dam breaking. "A son, born out of a previous relationship. I've kept him a secret, afraid of how it would affect our relationship."
Emma's mind reeled as she processed the revelation. She felt a mix of emotions: shock, surprise, and a hint of understanding.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Emma asked, her voice soft.
Asher's eyes filled with tears. "I was afraid you'd leave me, that you'd see me as a flawed person. But I realize now that I was wrong to keep it from you."
The room fell silent, the only sound the beating of Emma's heart. She looked at Asher, seeing the vulnerability in his eyes, and knew that their relationship was at a crossroads.