“I have a new family now. You can’t say
things like that.”
Tom shook his head.
“You still love me. I know it. Why else would
you help me? You’re just mad. Can’t you get
over it? I said I was sorry!”
I laughed, a cold, empty sound.
“Because we were together for a long time.
That’s why I’m helping you. If you’re getting
the wrong idea, I’m sorry. You can call your
parents.
“And I want you to know: being with you was
the biggest mistake of my life. I’m glad that
we did not have any children. You don’t need
to be a part of my life!”
Tom froze, his face twisted in pain.
I just turned and left.
Tom shouted after me, “All men are the
same! You think Tony Stark really loves you?
What does a billionaire see in you, a nobody?”
“Wake up! You’ll never be happy with him! I’m
the one for you!”
I walked faster.
He was still the same.
Always hating on those doing better.
Always wanting to drag people down with
He was never satisfied.
*
Chapter Six
Everyone thought I was lucky to be with Tony.
But I think we’re equals.
Tom thought I was just a doctor, but he had
no idea about my research and
accomplishments.
Tony wanted to know everything about me.
He once held me close, whispering, “Honey,
your work saves lives. You’re a superhero!”
Г
Because of Tony, I knew what love really was.
Not one person taking and another giving, but
two people working towards their dreams,
supporting each other.
I wasn’t going to let Tom shake that.
He was still at it, though.
One day, he showed up at my office with a
guitar.
He started singing that song he wrote for me,
the one he sang when he asked me out.
The melody was familiar, but I felt nothing but
irritation.
I told him to leave.
He grabbed my hand. “Ashley, I’m sorry! I
don’t want to break up! It’s all my fault! I
should have appreciated you more! Please,
forgive me!”
I looked at him. “Did I stutter?”
“Being with you was the biggest regret of my
life. You know what I’m thankful for?”
He perked up, but I crushed his hopes.
“That we didn’t have kids. That’s the only
good thing that came of it. Please, leave me
alone.”
His parents came in, took him back to his
Г
They apologized. “I’m so sorry. He’s been
saying a lot of things. Ashley, is there any
chance…?”
I looked at them.
“I’m married, with a kid.”
“Even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be with Tom. I
don’t love him.”
“I want him to focus on getting better, and
leave me alone.”
They nodded, sad and defeated.
Soon after, Tom transferred to another
hospital.
I didn’t hear from him again.
Because I was too busy enjoying my life.
I got a chance to go abroad and study.
My boss asked me to be a part of the
research program
When I got to America, Tony and Charlie were
there, waiting at the airport.
He had flowers, and a goofy grin on his face.
Tony hugged me. “Surprise! You’re not doing
this alone! I did not want you to miss us, and
we wanted to tag along with you to make
more memories. I want you to know that you
do not have to be alone. Wife, you have my
support and you can depend on me!”
<
more memories. I want you to know that you
do not have to be alone. Wife, you have my
support, and you can depend on me!”
I started to laugh.
During my time here, we saw the country.
We made memories that I’ll never forget.
Then, one day, I heard that Tom had died. I
felt a pang of sadness.
But then I looked up, and saw two figures
running towards me.
I opened my arms, and embraced my future.
