My Rideshare Driver Ended up Being My Mother’s Former Lover – Upon Noticing My Bracelet, He Shared a Revelation I Wasn’t Prepared For

Harper didn’t anticipate her rideshare driver recognizing her mother’s vintage bracelet. However, as the driver, Ethan, begins to disclose past secrets, Harper’s reality starts to disintegrate. The forthcoming revelations will forever alter Harper’s understanding of her mother. Is Harper equipped to confront the staggering realities that are about to emerge?

I was behind schedule. I swiftly styled my hair and applied my makeup.

Glancing at the clock, a surge of urgency hit me. Emily’s celebration was set in the city center, and I was still at my flat.

I needed to move quickly. I promptly picked up my mobile and ordered a rideshare.

The driver, named Ethan, would arrive in five minutes. I chose to pay in cash, hoping it might expedite the journey.

Hastening to my bedroom, I snatched my handbag and evaluated my reflection in the mirror.

My attire was a vivid shade of green, ideal for a festive occasion. I ensured that the silver, elegant bracelet from Mom complemented my look.

It had always been a talisman for good fortune, and I wanted the night to be flawless.

As I donned my shoes, my mobile notified me. Ethan was nearly here.

My pulse quickened as I seized my coat and dashed to the entrance.

I hesitated briefly, inhaling deeply to soothe myself. Then, I ventured into the corridor, locking my flat behind me.

The brisk evening air greeted me as I descended the stairs.

I spotted the rideshare parked outside, a polished black vehicle with Ethan awaiting inside.

He glanced up and acknowledged me as I neared.

“Are you Harper?” he inquired, lowering the window.

“Yes, that’s me. Appreciate your patience,” I answered, trying to stabilize my breathing.

“No issue. Climb aboard,” he responded with a warm grin.

I entered the vehicle, and we commenced our drive. Feeling slightly more composed now that I was en route.

Ethan appeared amiable, and I hoped we’d encounter minimal traffic.

“What’s your destination tonight?” Ethan asked, peeking at me via the rearview mirror.

“It’s a friend’s birthday bash. I’m already tardy,” I confessed, attempting to appear less anxious.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get you there promptly,” he reassured me.

His composed demeanor was comforting.

As we navigated the city streets, I kept an eye on the time, praying I wouldn’t miss much of the festivities.

Emily had been organizing this event for weeks, and I didn’t want to let her down. I took out my mobile.

The city illumination streaked by as we progressed.

I checked my mobile for any updates from Emily. Still nothing.

I peered out the window.

The gentle drone of the car’s engine and the sporadic sounds of other vehicles were the only disturbances.

I glanced at Ethan, who concentrated on the road.

Eventually, after what felt like forever, we turned onto the street of the event.

I could discern the vibrant lights and faintly hear the music as we approached. Ethan decelerated and pulled up to the curb.

“We’ve arrived,” he stated, turning to face me.

“Thank you,” I responded, reaching for my purse.

He paused, observing me thoughtfully. “You know, you strongly resemble a girl I once dated in college…” he mentioned, a trace of reminiscence in his tone.

I smiled awkwardly. “Really? That’s intriguing,” I remarked, attempting to remain courteous.

I began searching for my wallet, feeling slightly flustered. Ethan’s gaze upon me induced a sense of discomfort. I finally located my wallet and extracted some cash.

As I handed him the money, he clasped it firmly, scrutinizing my wrist peculiarly. My heart missed a beat, and a rush of apprehension overwhelmed me.

Was he about to rob me? His hold on the money was tight, his eyes wide, and his intense expression unnerved me.

Just as I was about to retract my hand, Ethan spoke, his voice unsteady. “Oh heavens, I never thought I’d see it again. Is your mother’s name Janet Wilkerson by any chance?” he exclaimed.

I froze. How did he know my mother’s name?

Still stunned, I nodded slowly. “Yes, Janet Wilkerson is my mother. How do you know her?”

Ethan exhaled deeply, evidently relieved. “This bracelet,” he stated, pointing to it. “I presented it to Janet during our college years. We dated briefly, and I believed it was lost forever.”

I stared at him, my brain struggling to assimilate his words. “You gave this bracelet to my mother?”

Ethan affirmed with a grave look. “Yes, I did. But there’s more to the tale, Harper.”

I observed him, a mixture of curiosity and slight dread stirring within me. “What do you mean?”

He sighed, organizing his thoughts. “Your mother, Janet, and I met in college. She was financially strapped and often pilfered from patrons in bars to survive. The bracelet you’re wearing was purloined from me the day we first met… I later discovered Janet had it, and I asked her to keep it.”

I gasped, my eyes widening. “She stole it from you?”

Ethan nodded, a subdued smile forming. “Yes, but despite that, I was charmed by her. She had a certain allure, you see? We began dating shortly thereafter. I believed I could assist her, perhaps alter her habits.”

I shook my head, a blend of confusion and disbelief washing over me. “I can’t believe this. She never shared any of this with me.”

“She wouldn’t,” Ethan murmured softly. “Eventually, she absconded with all my money and fled with another man. And that man turned out to be your father.”

A lump formed in my throat as I processed his words. “She fled with my father?”

Ethan confirmed again. “Yes. I was devastated and furious, but over the years, I realized it was futile to cling to that anger. I moved on with my life. But seeing that bracelet tonight, I felt you deserved to know the truth about your mother’s past.”

I glanced down at the bracelet on my wrist.

It had always felt like a connection to my mother, but now it seemed like a burden of secrets and falsehoods.

“I don’t know what to say,” I whispered, tears beginning to form.

Ethan reached out, his tone gentle. “It’s been a long time, Harper. There’s no need to dwell on the past. I just wanted you to know the truth. Your mother wasn’t perfect, but she must have loved you deeply to pass this bracelet down to you.”

I nodded, a mix of gratitude and sorrow filling me. “Thank you, Ethan. For sharing this.”

He smiled softly. “You’re welcome. Look after yourself, Harper.”

As I walked towards Emily’s party, my mind swirled with Ethan’s disclosures. I knew I couldn’t enjoy the celebration with what I’d just learned. Instead, I decided to return to my apartment. I needed to confront my mother and uncover the whole story.

At home, I took a deep breath and called my mother. She answered after the second ring, her tone as cheerful as ever.

“Hi, darling! How’s the party?” she inquired.

“Mom,” I said, my voice quivering. “We need to discuss something. Something occurred tonight.”

“What is it, Harper? Is everything alright?”

I took another deep breath, striving to maintain composure. “I encountered someone tonight who shared a great deal about you. A man named Ethan Ross. He mentioned you dated in college.”

“Ethan Ross… I haven’t heard that name in years.”

“He claimed you stole a bracelet from him,” I continued, my voice growing firmer. “And that you eloped with Dad after taking all his money. Is that accurate?”

A lengthy silence ensued. I could almost perceive her deep sigh through the phone. “Harper,” she began, “I never intended for you to learn about that chapter of my life. I was young and desperate then. I committed acts I’m not proud of.”

A surge of anger mingled with sorrow rose within me. “Why didn’t you ever tell me? Why did you conceal this from me?”

“I was attempting to protect you,” she responded gently. “I didn’t want you to witness that aspect of me. I’ve devoted my entire life to becoming a better person, striving to leave that past behind.”

“Ethan felt I should know the truth. He said clinging to the past is pointless, but I feel so betrayed, Mom!”

“I’m truly sorry, Harper,” she whispered. “I never meant to cause you pain. I was merely striving to survive back then, and I made some dreadful decisions.”

Tears streamed down my face. “I don’t know what to think, Mom. I’ll leave the bracelet at your place. I don’t want to see it anymore.”

“Harper, please—” she began, but I interrupted her.

“No, Mom. I need time to reflect,” I stated firmly. “I’ll talk to you later.”

I ended the call, my heart heavy with conflicting emotions. I removed the bracelet and placed it on the table, gazing at it briefly. I needed to determine how to proceed, but for now, I simply required some space.

I curled up on the sofa, utterly drained. It had been a night filled with unforeseen revelations, and I was uncertain about the next steps. All I knew was that things would never be the same again.

What should I do next?