TOMMY

A rich man was thrown into a river. Luckily for him, he was saved by a beautiful young lady who often came to the river to relax. She took him to her house and cared for him until he recovered. The man had lost his memory and couldn’t recall anything about himself. The young woman begged her family to let him stay with them. However, they refused, arguing that they couldn’t afford to feed another person, given their average living conditions and the size of their family. Despite her family’s disapproval, she insisted, which caused tension and hatred toward her within the household. Over time, she fell in love with the man and secretly married him. Tommy POV “Tommy, you haven’t eaten anything since you came back from job hunting. You need to rest, honey,” Mary said softly. “Tell me, how can I rest, wifey, when I can’t even provide for you? I can’t remember who I am or where I’m from. I feel like a failure… a burden to you and your family.” “Shut up!” Mary exclaimed, placing his head gently on her shoulder. “Who said you’re a failure or a burden to me, Tommy? I love you so much. Yes, we don’t have much now, but I’ve seen your efforts to make sure we have food on the table.” “Wifey, is this what you call good food? No, it’s not,” Tommy replied bitterly. “Your family favors the other in-laws because they have money and work in big companies. We can’t even eat at the same table with them because we have nothing. We’re treated like outsiders.” “Please stop, Tommy. Don’t say things like that—it’ll only hurt you more. Why don’t you take a bath, come downstairs to eat, and let me give you a massage after dinner?” she said reassuringly. Tommy sighed. “You’re the best, wifey. I’m so lucky to have you.” Just then, Mary’s mother called out from the other room. “Mary! Mary! Mary!” “Yes, Mom?” she answered. “Come here and clean this table, wash the plates, and don’t forget to cook dinner for everyone—except for your own family,” her mother said coldly. Mary’s words stung Tommy. He stormed out to confront her mother. “Excuse me, ma’am, but you need to watch how you treat my wife. She’s not a maid; she’s your daughter!” “Shut up!” her mother snapped. “Look who’s talking—a man who can’t even provide for his wife. You’re questioning how I treat my own daughter? She stopped being my daughter the day she married you.” “Mom, you don’t need to say that in his presence,” Mary interjected. “You too, shut up!” her mother shouted. “Why shouldn’t I say it? He needs to know the truth. This is my house, and I’ll say whatever I want. If you two don’t like it, go buy your own house and stop being a burden on this family!” “Mom! I don’t like this. He’s my husband, and you’ll have to accept it,” Mary said firmly. Tommy, overwhelmed with shame and anger, left the room. Mary immediately rushed after him. “Tommy, please don’t take what she said to heart,” Mary said softly. “I’m so sorry for how she spoke to you, and I feel terrible for not defending you more. But you have to understand, we’re living under her roof. As hard as it is, we have to endure it for now.” Tommy looked at her with tears in his eyes. “Mary, I can’t do this anymore. I feel useless. You’ve sacrificed everything for me, and I can’t even protect you from your own family. You deserve better.” Mary cupped his face in her hands, her own tears threatening to fall. “Tommy, you are my husband—my choice. I don’t regret marrying you, not even for a second. I love you for who you are, not what you’ve lost. No matter how they treat us, I’ll never leave your side. We’ll find our way together.” “But Mary… your mom, your family… They’ve turned against you because of me. You’ve given up so much for someone who doesn’t even remember where he came from.” Mary smiled faintly and rested her head on his chest. “Tommy, you may not remember your past, but I know your heart. You’ve worked so hard and cared so deeply—that’s all I need. I don’t want a rich husband or a perfect life. I just want you.” Tommy pulled her close, tears streaming down his face. “I promise, Mary, I’ll work harder. I’ll find a way to make a life for us, to give you the love and respect you deserve. Just… don’t give up on me.” “Never, Tommy,” she whispered. “I’ll never give up on you.” Their moment was interrupted by Mary’s mother yelling from downstairs. “Mary! Where’s dinner? Are you planning to starve us all?” Mary sighed, gave Tommy a small kiss on the cheek, and said, “Don’t worry about her. I’ll handle it.” Mary descended the stairs slowly, her heart heavy. She walked into the kitchen, her mother glaring at her impatiently. “Finally,” her mother scoffed. “Took you long enough. What were you doing up there? Comforting your useless husband again?” Mary stiffened, taking a deep breath. She held her tongue, knowing any argument would only escalate the situation. She focused on the task at hand—preparing dinner. As she chopped vegetables, her brother-in-law entered the kitchen, smirking. "So, the mighty Mary is now the family chef, huh? Maybe if your husband was half as useful as me, you wouldn’t be stuck here." Mary clenched the knife tighter but refused to give him the satisfaction of a response. She finished chopping and moved to the stove. “Why don’t you just leave with him?” her sister chimed in, leaning against the counter. “Mom’s right—you two are just a burden. We all know Tommy will never be able to give you the life you deserve.” Mary turned off the stove and faced her sister. “You don’t understand what love is, do you? It’s not about money or comfort. Tommy may not have everything, but he has a heart bigger than any of you. And that’s enough for me.” Her sister rolled her eyes and walked out, muttering, “Suit yourself. Just don’t expect us to keep carrying you.” Mary finished cooking and served the food, making sure to leave a plate for Tommy. She took it upstairs, finding him sitting on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. “Dinner is ready,” she said softly, placing the plate on the table. “I brought yours here so you don’t have to face them.” Tommy looked up at her, his eyes filled with guilt. “Mary, I don’t want you to keep fighting battles for me. You deserve peace, not this constant war.” She knelt before him, taking his hands in hers. “You are my peace, Tommy. Don’t ever think otherwise. We’ll endure this together, no matter what.”