Bed of roses

Reality

THOMAS POV

After Joe left I had to be there for Martha and I made sure she was okay before I left

The next afternoon I sat in my living room, nursing a whiskey on the rocks, as I stared at the bruise on my cheek. Joe had packed a punch, but I knew I had it coming.

As I sat there, I couldn't help but think about Martha. I had to have her. I had to make her mine.

I picked up my phone and dialed her number. She answered on the first ring.

"Thomas, I'm so sorry about what happened," she said, her voice trembling.

I waved off her apology, even though she couldn't see me.

"It's not your fault, Martha. Joe's just angry. He'll get over it," I said, trying to reassure her.

But Martha was beyond consolation. She was a wreck, and I knew I had to act fast to comfort her.

"Martha, listen to me. We can't keep living like this. We have to be together," I said, my voice firm.

Martha sighed, and I could hear the hesitation in her voice.

"Thomas, I don't know if I can do this. Joe will never forgive me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I knew Martha was scared, but I also knew she loved me. And I was willing to do whatever it took to make her mine.

"Martha, don't worry about Joe. Worry about us. We deserve to be happy," I said, my voice persuasive.

Martha was silent for a moment, and I knew I had her.

"Okay, Thomas. What do I need to do?" she asked, her voice firm.

I smiled, knowing I had won.

"Serve Joe with divorce papers. Tell him you want out of the marriage," I said, my voice cold.

Martha gasped, and I knew she was shocked.

"Thomas, are you sure? This is a big step," she said, her voice hesitant.

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me.

"I'm positive, Martha. We deserve to be together. And if that means hurting Joe, then so be it," I said, my voice firm.

Martha was silent for a moment, and I knew she was thinking.

"Okay, Thomas. I'll do it," she said, her voice firm. I smiled, knowing I had gotten what I wanted.

"That's my girl," I said, my voice husky.

As I hung up the phone, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I had Martha right where I wanted her. And soon, she would be mine.