Chapter 10%
That night, we had just returned from a party. From a distance, we saw Michael standing under a streetlamp, once again holding his signature bouquet of white roses.}
As soon as I stepped out of the car, the sky behind me suddenly exploded with tens of thousands of rainbow–colored fireworks.
Bryson had watched the video of Michael’s proposal to me more times than he’d ever admit–like some form of twisted self–punishment. He knew that my younger, naïve self had been swept away by those very same fireworks, overwhelmed with joy, and had said yes to Michael’s proposal without hesitation.
So when he saw me momentarily distracted by the display, something snapped in him.”
Lacking the security and confidence he longed for, Bryson stormed up to Michael, fury bubbling over, and without warning, launched himself into a full–on brawl.
“Michael! You shameless bastard! All you do is try to catch a glimpse of my fiancée like some sick, lovesick mutt. I’ve never seen anyone as a clingy and pathetic parasite as you in my entire damn life!“}
Michael shot back with venom, “If I’m a parasite, then what does that make you? Ashlyn and I were together for nine years. If it weren’t for her accident–if she hadn’t lost her ability to have children–I never would’ve agreed to let Daniela keep the baby.”
He turned to me, voice rising. “She just misunderstood me. She thinks I cheated and stopped loving her. That’s the only reason she settled for you, Bryson–a goddamn second option.”
“But once I clear things up, once I calm her down, she’ll break off that engagement and come right back to me where she belongs.”}]
That was the final straw.
Bryson let out a cold, furious laugh and punched Michael so hard he collapsed onto the ground.
When I lost our child in the car accident, it was Bryson who dropped everything–his career, his obligations–and flew to my side. He stayed with me, day and night, until I was strong enough to leave the hospital.
And where was Michael?}
He claimed he was too busy with work. But in truth, he had booked two plane tickets to Prague and spent that time vacationing with Daniela–drinking, dining, sightseeing… living his best life while I bled alone in a hospital bed.
I tried to stop the fight–but they wouldn’t listen.
Just then, a police car rolled by. Two officers stepped out, one of them locking eyes with Michael and quickly intervening.}
Without giving any of us a choice, they took all three of us to the nearest hospital to get checked.}
And despite being worried about Bryson’s injuries the whole ride there, somehow, I ended up being placed in Michael’s room.}
At that moment, I finally realized–everything that happened was meticulously planned by Michael–just so he could steal a few minutes alone with me.}
I couldn’t help but laugh.”
“Was all this really necessary?“–
Lying in the hospital bed, with two ribs fractured, Michael blushed faintly. Then, through a strained, hoarse voice, he said, “Ashlyn… I miss you. I’ve missed you so much I’m going insane.“}
While the doctor stepped in to treat his injuries, my eyes landed on the tattoo over his chest–a sun, a moon, and a cluster of stars.
It was the design I had drawn myself, the day I found out I was pregnant. A little symbol of our future family of three.
Back then, I showed it to him full of hope and excitement.
And I still remembered his cold, dismissive response, “The moon? You think someone like you deserves to be the moon?“>
Now, while Bryson had been temporarily called away, Michael seized the moment. He took my hand and gripped it tightly, refusing to let
- go.
“Ashlyn,” he said, eyes red, “I want to apologize to you in person.“}
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Everything that happened was my fault. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it right–just please, forgive me.“>
Before I could respond, his phone rang.}
It was Daniela.}
Without hesitation, he answered and put her on the speaker.”
“Michael! Help me–please, help! Assistant Thompson just barged into the apartment with a bunch of people. They’ve taken me to a hospital! T–they’re trying to take away our baby!”
