Still Breathing

Chapter 30: I'll never love again

Marley Pov

March 2023 present day

Stephen steps into the kitchen wearing a suit and says, "I will be gone until late tonight."

I shove cereal into my mouth and only half listen.

He fixes his sleeve and says, "if that changes, I will let you know. but I should back, no later than tomorrow morning."

I groan and nod as I chew. He look over at me and scowls. He looks like he wants to comment on my eating habits. Just as he opens his mouth clint walks in, "Looking sharp Mr. Strange."

Stephen frowns at clint and says, "Doctor. Dr. Strange."

Clint says, "my apologies. Dr. Strange."

I turn towards the window trying to hide my smirk. Clint has a way of getting under Stephen skin and irritating him just enough. But not enough for him to fire him. I return to my breakfast as they talk about security and visitation rules while he is away.

Clint agrees to all of the above and makes Stephen feels like he's in charge. When in reality, Clint works for Nat. But he nods and agrees and says, yes sir. Stephen is happy to have such a good man on his team to help keep me in line.

I get up and wash my bowl. Stephan follows and kisses me with his eyes closed. my eyes grow dead as I retreat to a place that's not here in this moment kissing this man. when he opens his eyes, he just stares at me for a moment. He has been doing that a lot lately. I'm not sure what he sees when he looks at me now. but I can guarantee the girl I was, died that day, in the penthouse.

In my mind, I never made it out the hospital or maybe I died on that floor covered in my own blood.

It takes me a second to snap out of it and I smile and say, "Have fun at your friend's wedding." I turn and grab a small, wrapped gift off the counter and I hand it to him. "I hope you don't mind. I got her a gift. It's a crystal candy dish. Nothing special."

Stephen looks from me to the gift and then back to me again. and for once, its not suspicion, its fear that flashes across his eyes. just for a second. then its gone.

My smile drops and I step around him and go to my room.

An hour later Clint sticks his head in and says, "all clear."

I smile and I feel my body relax. I watch clint come sit in the chair next to mine and he asks, "Are you ready?"

I nod and for the first time in months a little bit of fear, I hadn't felt in a long time covers me like an ice cube down the back of my shirt. For a moment, I almost change my mind. But realistically, I know I cant. the ball has already started rolling and taken on a life of its own.

So I stand up and I offer my hand to clint, and we get into the car and head to the city.

Its been almost a year since I've been back out here. I have clint drop me off at the old penthouse. he tells me he don't like this, but I promise him, I will be fine. I watch him drive off and I go into the lobby. I greet Mr. bailey and as usual he hands me a bag of frozen peas for the ducks.

As I step back outside, I run into Scott. I smile and say, "You need a bell or hazard lights or something."

He looks at me excitedly, "That sounds awesome."

we chuckle and he says, "long time no see. How are you?"

"I'm better. How's..." I try to remember his daughter name. I cant remember if he ever told me. I mentally kick myself for not asking.