Chapter 3: It's yours, Tom
998 Words
"Baby, your breakfast is ready," Martina called out to Tom.
"I'm coming," Tom responded back. He was preparing to go to his office.
"Do you like it?" Martina asked longing to hear Tom's response as he took a bite.
"This is delicious. I love it! You know exactly how to make meals that go straight to my heart."
"Awwnn....That's so sweet." Martina said with a blush on her face. "By the way, do you remember my appointment with the doctor?"
"Oh yeah, I do. You told me about it last week."
"It's today. I'd love to take one of the cars.
"Sure, do whatever you want my love. I need to get going."
"Okay, see you when you return," Martina said going for a kiss.
"Yeah, call me when you get back. I love you." Tom said too after giving her a kiss.
"I love you too."
******
"How many more meetings do I have to attend before the end of the day?" Tom asked his assistant at the office.
"Just 3 more sir. The representatives from Stones have a new proposal they'd like you to see for a possible partnership. Followed by the 2 other board meetings. Would you like me to cancel or reschedule anyone?"
"No, it's fine. Just keep me updated."
"Okay, sir. I will."
Brrrriing brrrriing. Tom's phone rang. Martina was calling.
"Hello, my love."
"Hey babe. I've got something to tell you but you'd have to take a guess first." Martina said with excitement in her voice.
"Oh no. You know I'm bad at guesses. Don't do this to me, my love."
"Hahaha, I know. But you have to this time. Just try."
"You sound so excited. Did your doctor say something nice.....Wait, are you pregnant?"
"Yes, honey. Congratulations, you're going to be a father."
"No, you're joking."
"It's true, babe. I just confirmed it from the hospital."
"Yessssssss!" Tom screamed, standing up from his seat. "This is the best news I've heard in my life. Let's celebrate when I get home."
*********
"I cannot believe we're expecting a baby together, my love. It still feels like a dream."
"I know, right? Your stupid, good-for-nothing ex-wife couldn't give you one." Martina's voice came up as she folded her hands to her chest and hissed.
"Thank God I left her. She didn't deserve my love at all. I'm glad I made the right decision leaving her for you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, my love."
Martina's face lit up with a smile. "And you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, babe. I'm so glad we found each other."
Tom leaned in and kissed her. "Me too, my love. Me too."
"Since we are expecting a baby together, I want you to do something for me," Martina told Tom with her fingers running through his bare chest.
"What is it, my love? Just mention it. I'd do anything for you."
"You're just saying that as mere words. It's not from your heart." Martina withdrew herself from Tom's body and looked away.
"How can you say that, my love? You should know I mean it when I say I love you and I can do anything for you." Tom persuaded her as he drew closer.
"Then prove it. Prove that you love me and can do anything for me." Martina responded still looking away.
"Okay, what do you want me to do? Just say it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, go on. I'm listening."
"I want a stake in your company." Martina said as she turned, looking straight into Tom's eyes awaiting his response."
"Are you serious? Is that all you want? Tom asked in surprise, as he tried to hide his laughter.
"Yes. What's funny?" Martina gave him a stern look.
"I'm surprised that's what you could ask for. Consider it done."
"Really? That's it?"
"Watch me," Tom told her as he reached for his phone to call his attorney.
"Hello, Well."
"Yes, sir."
"I'm giving my wife 50% of my stake in the company. Get the necessary legal documents ready by tomorrow so she can sign them."
"Excuse me, sir....Are you sure you want to do that? Please think about it again sir."
"It's none of your business. Do as I say." Tom fired angrily and dropped the call. "Are you happy now?" He asked facing Martina and watched as her once moody face lit up in excitement."
"Yes, I'm happy. Thank you, babe. Now I believe you."
********
8 months later...
"Baby, I'm home," Tom announced as he didn't see Martina come out to welcome him as usual.
It was not normal of her. She always waited at the door for him when he comes back home.
"Hey babe I'm back. Where are you? Stop hiding from me." He spoke again as he headed upstairs to the bedroom but came back downstairs as he couldn't find Martina in the room too.
Tom picked up his phone to call her phone but it was not going through. He was still in a state of confusion and unsure of what was happening when one of his home workers came.
"Welcome back sir." She greeted.
"Yeah, thank you. Have you seen my wife? She's not in the bedroom and I can't reach her phone."
"Uhm, she left not too long after you had gone to the office sir."
"Oh, okay. Did she mention where she was going to?"
"No, she didn't sir. But she left you this note." The home assistant said passing a letter-sized envelope to him.
He reluctantly took it and opened it to read:
'Dear Tom, by the time you read this, I'd be long gone from you. I don't know how you will feel about this but I am sorry I can't continue with this marriage. Even though you may not understand why, don't ever try to find or contact me.'
M.
As soon as he finished reading the note, he fell to the ground and fainted.
- Writer
