Ruthless Ambition- A Flash Fiction Story

Chapter 3-Ruthless Ambition

Tyron crept out of bed, it was four in the morning. Tia stirred but didn't wake this time. He got up and dressed quietly, his heart heavy with remorse for what he was about to do. He left a note with Tias name on it on the fridge. Ashamed he wondered out of the house. No bags or belongings....he walked fast, boots tramping cold gravel as he made his way through the dark streets. A leather jacket his only source of warmth. Tyron felt his mind, swirling with thoughts and regret. Overthinking, overwhelmed him at every turn, he wanted to turn around several times. It's only when he reached the jewelry store, him and Tia had past by just the other day that he paused. He looked at the ring in the display case. Something came over him. His heart turned to steel and his jaw set. 'No! This way the right way!' He thought. He stood a little straighter and with his head held higher. He walked into the first rays of the mornings light and didn't look back.

Five years had passed since Tyron had walked out on her. Leaving just one note on the fridge, "I will always love you!" Her name on the front showed the letter being addressed to her. Despite herself she kept it. She no explanation of why he did what he did. Or even where he was, for the passed five years her heart was nothing but sorrow and anger. However she continued her dream of being a singer and recently she came across an opportunity. A benefactor who had given her the chance to be something great. A tour for 6 months, opening for one of the greatest Rock Bands in the country. "EmeraldGreen!" They had done three shows only, and there had already been offers and her name now seem to be headlining in a major newspaper as "Hottest and Upcoming Stars!" Tia was more than just grateful. However her gratitude had to go through a Mr Lincoln, a butler with no sense of humor or hair on the top of his head. As he reported to and on behalf of her mysterious benefactor. She had never met the person in charge of her newfound success. However she never neglected to send flowers and gifts in a very unhappy Lincolns hands as a token of her appreciation.

This afternoon, she was practicing a few notes for a major concert that was supposed to be pulling one of the biggest crowds she had ever heard of. She hit a few bars on the piano.

"Melody to my ears." It was Ryan, her best friend, tall dark handsome, every girls dream but hers. He had asked her out several times and the answer had also been the same, no! She had a million excuses, but it had always been the same answer. It's not that she didn't like him, he had been there for her more than anyone else. It's that she was still in love with someone else....Tyron. Some part of her heart...deep down was still hoping he would come back. Some small part...just atleast to explain. Was all that time together for nothing.

"Hey you OK?" He asked breaking into her reverie.
"Yeah...it's just." Tia looked up into his dark brown eyes.
"You thinking about him again...aren't you?" He sounded crestfallen.
Tia didn't like hurting him. She placed her hand on his and smiled.
He smiled back trying to be strong.
"Creamy just how you like it." He handed her the Starbucks coffee.
She did it without thinking and just leaned in and hugged him. He nearly dropped the coffee in surprise, yet somehow managed to hug her back.
"I just been practicing the cover of Pixie Lott, want to hear?" She asked trying to avoid the awkward conversation after the moment they shared.
"Sure." He said still blushing.
She touched the keys on the piano again.
"And you're...sitting in the front row, want to be first in liiiine, waiting by my window giving me all your tiiiime, you can be my hero if only I can let go..."

Unbeknownst to Tia and Ryan, a few miles from them, in the tallest building in the city, right at the very top, a tall man in one of the finest suits was looking at the sale figures on his white board...calculating in his mind, his next move. The office he was in was huge and you could tell that whatever he had done in life...he had done it right. A balding man, who looked like he had never seen a joke in his life knocked politely and walked in, carrying a basket of flowers and a card.

"Another gift sir...from Tia."
The man in the suit didn't turn around.
"On the desk, Mr Lincoln."
"Yes sir." Lincoln said leaving it carefully on the desk.
He was about to leave, when he knew the question that was coming was asked.
"Uh...Mr Lincoln?" The man turned around finally, clean shaven, handsome and young.
"Sir?"
"Uh...how is she?"
"Very well sir. She's very happy about tomorrow night."
The man coughed. Mr Lincoln raised an eyebrow.
"Uh tomorrow night...oh yes the concert, yes I'm glad she's doing well."
Mr Lincoln waited for the man to stop spluttering, then said.
"Would you like me to book us tickets sir?"
"Tickets...no no tickets wouldn't um do...I mean, like what would I even do...no.."
"Very well sir." Said Lincoln turning to leave."
"Uh Mr Lincoln...could you.."
"I've already booked them sir."
The man smiled.
"Thank you Mr Lincoln."
"Don't mention it sir." Said Lincoln drily as he left.
The man looked nervous. He kept wringing his hands...then finally went to sit on a large office chair infront of a very expensive desk.
He poured himself a glass of the finest whiskey. Took a sip. Then turned the chair to look out of his office through the glass window that covered the floor to ceiling, at the world below. This always calmed him. He owned everything, he finally made it. Yet his heart still raced at the thought of meeting Tia. How do you tell the one you left that you were back, that you had never stopped loving her. That you never meant to hurt her. And would she even forgive him? Would Tia even recognize her Tyron now?