Cliché Love

#23 Promised Love

Perhaps there was a time that Tia believed in love, the warm fuzzy feeling in one's heart but this tale is of the girl that buried all that six feet under.

"Miss River." A voice called out, pulling a lost Tia to the present world.
"Yes?" She asked, in a voice so delicate, even the intruder feared to break the tranquility.

"He's asking for you." Tia's personal maid for years informed in a whisper.
"I'll be right there, Rosie, thank you." Everyone who knew Tia vouched for one thing, her poise and collected demeanor.
Though none of those praises came alone, pity was a frequent companion.

"Yes, Axel. You requested to see me?" Tia asked the man who looked nothing like her late husband yet only reminded her of the memories the three had together, she always admired their friendship.

"I did. I have urgent matters to discuss that I have been putting off for a while. I fear if I don't speak of it now, the outcome would be far worse." His grave voice caught her attention as she straightened her back even more.

"Don't beat around the bush, Axel. Out with it." She said.

"David's company." Two words and her breathing stilled, "I'm sure you're aware that you are left with twenty five percent of it and I thirty." She nodded, regaining her composure.
"The board is planning to take your part of the shares by combining their votes. To take full control of the company, I need more than half the voting rights and shares."

"Yes, of course, Axel. You need not be so formal on such a trivial matter. I knew of David's work and I'm also aware if your dedication to it. I'll do all that I can to help." Tia only came to the possession of the company because of her husband will, she didn't need it for survival.

"I'm grateful for that, Tia, I am but unfortunately David overlooked a part."

"I don't understand?" She didn't, the hesitance in his voice made her worry.

"Tia. I would never ask of such a thing. God, I've never been so ashamed of my mind. But I couldn't think of what else to do, David left me in a mess, you must know."

"I do, Axel. Vividly." She said through gritted teeth.

"The clause for you to sell your part is that it should be to family only." Axel muttered out in a distasteful voice.
"That makes no sense. David knew I had no other family but him." As she said that, she immediately understood where Axel was leading her. She gasped and stood up from her seat beside him on the sofa.

"Axel. You can't possibly be demanding what I think you are. That's outrageous." Her facade fell and she stood yelling and shaking like a leaf. Axel followed suit and left his seat as well.

"Tia. You know me and I would never demand for anything, yet I'm standing here only asking you to see it from my  eyes. That company has my name, Tia. And they're taking it from me." River Dennison Industries meant the world to both partners and Tia was no stranger to the connection but what he was asking of her was simply not possible.

"Your best friend, Axel. Must you put me in such a position?" She whispered willing herself not to cry.

"I beg you, help me. I've tried everything else. Marry me, Tia, I'll be nothing but a gentleman."

"I'm not questioning you but I'm not a woman to pass around. Perhaps David thought it was him helping me putting that clause but marrying you is impossible for my mind to accept." Tia let out a long breath though she could see Axel was pained by the situation as well. His eyes looked at me pleading yet he fought with his conscious to say the words.

"I'll take your leave. Perhaps I did come with an idea beyond my understanding. I apologise, for my behavior must seem astonishing, David left me in ruins."

"You and I both. I'm sorry too, Axel. I wish I could help you."

Tia sat in front of her dresser and looked at her pale face. She hadn't smiled in half a year.
A letter rested in her drawer that she knew she had to open now. Six months were too short to give her the strength she needed to read the letter as she felt her hand tremble.

My love,

I worry how this letter came to you, since it has, I must confess that it's been three years of our marriage and it's taken me this long to actually get myself to write this to you.

My beautiful Tia, it pains me to think I've left you alone in this world. The day I saw you, I knew I wanted to spend all my life with you. And seeing the situation now, it seems I have.

Don't cry, my darling, our love was my biggest accomplishment but I know you, your heart is so warm, don't let my mortality stop you from loving.
I didn't want to force you, perhaps if I put a condition, you'd bend.

Don't hate me, love, I only dream of your happiness. Take this as an opportunity to move forward.
No one can take away the time we had and the love we shared, the love you'll have for me. Someone can make you smile again and only that would make me rest in peace.

I hope you haven't shed too many tears, my love, those eyes are meant only for joy.

In another life,
Your David.

She quickly folded the paper in fear of more salt water ruining the writing.
Her heart ached for the one she lost, his words made her miss him more and also realize that it was his twisted plan all along.

After two hours of wondering she found herself picking up her phone, "I agree only if you answer one question." She said with a slight fumble.

"Yes?"

A moment of silence passed between the two, "How will you manage when you find the one you truly love?"

"I am a man of my words, Tia. I pledge my loyalty to you, even though I know you don't expect it but I am content with only keeping you happy." At his words, she frowned.

"Those are wise words yet impossible to live by, you must know."

"Perhaps one day I'll make you believe. For now, have faith in me." His deep voice only drew her to trust him.

"Okay. We'll meet another time and discuss the future. Good night, Axel." She said in a hushed whisper.

"Thank you, Tia. I'll treat you well."

And so, two months later she walked down the aisle once more not for love but convenience. The man that stood at the end smiled at her one so genuine, her steps didn't falter no more.

"Do you Tia Bridge take Axel Dennison to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

And another journey began.

****
Is this a promise for a part two?
Who knows?

Love,
Rojesta 💜