Stolen Love

Chapter Thirteen

Ashton

Our tranquil moment was abruptly disrupted by the sudden arrival of hospital security personnel and medical staff, igniting a surge of frustration within us. As I tried to leave, I was swiftly yanked back into the room.

"Is everything okay?" questioned the nurse.

Her appealing black hair and radiant complexion momentarily captivated me.

"Excuse me, do you mind?" I replied, casting a glance at her hand gripping my wrist.

She raised an eyebrow, obviously irritated by my reaction.

"Yes, I do mind, actually. This is a medical facility, and I strongly advise you to avoid causing disruptions in a public area. Leave your personal conflicts at home and provide mutual support instead of acting like uncivilized troublemakers!" she scolded sharply.

I smirked and distanced myself from her, only to be blocked by a security guard. I sneered as he evaluated me, I outweighed him, and by the fleeting glimpse of fear on his face, I grinned triumphantly before exiting through the door.

Jarrod expressed regret for my conduct, but I remained unapologetic. It seemed like reminders of Mia were everywhere.

Her striking appearance, be it her flowing black hair, sun-kissed complexion, or piercing green eyes, commanded attention. As I went through the hallways, the worried hospital employees cast fleeting glances at me.

"Sir, are you okay?" a nurse inquired from the reception desk.

I dismissed her concern. "I'm okay."

Stepping into the restroom and closing the door, I approached the sink and met my gaze in the mirror. My formal attire was rumpled from the earlier altercation with Jarrod, and my white shirt bore scattered bloodstains.

Quietly seething with anger, I berated Jarrod in my thoughts while twisting the handle to wash off the blood. Following the nosebleed's containment, I confronted my weary reflection in the mirror. My eyes bore the exhaustion, the carefully styled hair from earlier in the day now in disarray.

My appearance was a wreck! Although I entertained thoughts of giving in, a newfound resolve surged within me. At that moment, my son depended on me. He needed my strength for both of us and for his mother, Mia. I had to mature before losing myself. As the rush of adrenaline subsided, an overwhelming pain took its place. I deserved it, and I admitted to myself. How in the world could I ever explain to my son the atrocious behavior of his father? I felt so foolish!

There was a soft tap on the door, stirring me from my gaze at the mirror. I exhaled deeply, wiping away the remnants of blood in the basin and drying my hands with paper towels.

I greeted a furious woman when I opened the door. It was Lisa. I closed my eyes, silently willing her to disappear, but she remained, still enraged, when I opened them again. If there was one consistent mistake I made with Lisa, it was sighing when she was angry. And that's exactly what I did. I released a lengthy, weighty exhale.

"Fuck You, Ashton!" she barked as she forcefully pushed me back into the bathroom, managing to squeeze both of us into the confines of the small space.

Her puffy eyes and rosy cheeks revealed her seriousness this time.

"What's your deal, Lisa?" I questioned, feeling defeated.

She exhaled heavily and pointed her finger at me. Both she and her husband had a tendency to point accusatory fingers at me. It grated on my nerves.

"I've had it with your shit! Ashton, can we please, just for once, not center everything around you! We've supported you and stood by you during your struggle with depression, but it's been five years, Ashton! Five whole years! Pull yourself together and stop wallowing in self fucking pity! Mia is out there, half-dead on a table. If you don't, I swear, you'll regret the day you crossed me!" I stood there, speechless, utterly stunned.

I attempted to speak, only to have her cover my mouth with her hand, her head bent as she tried to regulate her breath.

"Please, I'm asking you not to. Let me have a moment. I know you are angry and upset we didn't tell you about Riley, but you weren't in a position yourself to take on a child. We judged you too early, I'm so sorry, Ashton, I really am," she implored, letting her hand drop.

"His name is Riley?," I questioned, and she nodded.

How old is he?," I asked.

She sighed, looking up at me with a defeated look. "I'm so fucken sorry Ashton, he's four," she sobbed.

I quickly embraced her and offered my support. She was surprised at first and then sobbed against my chest, visibly shattered by the day's events. My own tears flowed as she held me tight.

"She's really not doing well, Ashton. I don't even know if she's going to pull through! I'm terrified, I can't bear to lose her," she wept.

All the pent-up emotions I had been suppressing for years burst out as she clung to me more tightly. It was time for me to release all the feelings I had been repressing for half a decade. I was a wreck, and the woman I cherished and will always cherish was out there, battling for her life on a frigid metal table, while I was here causing anguish to the people she cared about due to my own selfish desires. Dear Lord, I was beyond help.

We remained there for minutes, embracing each other, until I gently drew her back, gazing at her.

"I'm sorry Lisa, truly I am. I can't seem to rein in my emotions anymore. I need help," I confessed.

Her gaze lifted, and a bittersweet smile graced her lips.

"I've been anticipating for the day you reached out to me, Ashton, and I'll be able to get you the help you need. You're like a sibling to me, while Mia is the sister I've longed for. My affection for you both runs deep. I would do anything for the both of you," she lamented.

"I know," I said as I looked at her sadly.

"And it's pretty obvious that your love for each other has held out til today, preventing either of you from moving on," she teased.

"What?" I exclaimed. A glimmer of optimism surged within me.

I often pondered whether Mia had found someone who could provide better care than me. Perhaps a devoted husband, a picturesque home with a white picket fence, and a couple of lively children. Although it saddened me to think about it, I was certain that Mia had moved on. Now that I know she hasn't, I'm happy.