Chapter 4 – Marry Me

• Anna
• After going over the treatment plan with both doctors, I stayed behind to speak privately with Dr. Weld.
• Per our agreement, following our divorce, we were never supposed to cross paths again—let alone get involved in any way. I had wronged him so deeply that I still feel ashamed to even look him in the eye.
• “Dr. Weld, I don’t understand why Dr. Anderson is needed for this case,” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
• It’s not that I’m afraid of him—I just don’t know how to face him.
• “Ms. Smith, I’ll be retiring soon and won’t be able to provide long-term care for your father,” Dr. Weld explained gently. “But rest assured—Dr. Anderson is one of the best in the field. I trust he’ll be able to help wake your father.”
• “But—do you doubt my ability?” Dr. Anderson cut me off.
• Crap. I thought he had already left. Why did he come back?
• “That’s not what I’m saying,” I replied quickly. “I just… I have my reasons,” I added, avoiding his gaze, my eyes darting anywhere but him.
• “And that reason is?” Dr. Anderson pressed, his voice sharp—like an interrogation.
• “I…” I faltered, the words caught in my throat.
• He knew just as well as I did—we weren’t supposed to be part of each other’s lives anymore. So why was he playing dumb now?
• “What is your reason?” Dr. Anderson pressed further, his tone unwavering.
• “Dr. Anderson, Mr. Hamburg’s case is long-term and specialized,” I answered, trying to stay calm. “I can’t afford a renowned doctor like you.”
• “That’s not for you to worry about,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I’m not here for the paycheck—I volunteered to help my professor.”
• I clenched my hands in my lap, unsure of where to look, unsure of how to respond. His voice was calm, but every word felt like a stone dropping in my chest.
• Enough with the cat and mouse.
• “You know as well as I do—why are you pretending?” I asked, flustered.
• “I’m not a hypocrite. Dr. Weld is both my professor and mentor. I gave him my word, and I won’t take it back,” Dr. Anderson replied solemnly.
• He walked over, picked up the file he had left behind, and left the room. I was speechless—dumbfounded, even.
• “If there’s anything I can do to help, Ms. Smith, I’d be happy to,” Dr. Weld offered kindly.
• “Thanks for the offer, but there’s no need,” I declined quietly, then left the small office.
• Why does it have to be him?
• As if losing everything wasn’t enough, God just had to send another devil to haunt me. What am I supposed to do now?
• I wandered back to Mr. Hamburg’s ward in a daze. The moment I opened the door—
• “Queen!” Tyler’s familiar voice filled the room.
• A smile broke across my face as the six-foot-two bulldozer barreled toward me. Just like always, he tackled me, lifted me clean off the ground, and spun me around three times.
• I laughed.
• He smiled.
• Our friendship ritual never gets old.
• “I missed you so much,” I whispered, falling into his arms—and finally letting the tears fall.
• “And I missed you,” he replied, holding me tightly.
• I wished we could stay like this forever, but I had to push him away. “You shouldn’t come here anymore,” I sobbed.
• “Whoa, whoa—what are you saying?” Tyler refused to let go, his arms only tightening around me.
• “It’s happening, Tyler... I don’t want to ruin your life like I ruined his,” I whispered, the guilt pouring out with every word.
• “Will you stop with that nonsense?” Tyler said firmly, grounding me with his voice.
• “But, Tyler…”
• “Nuh-uh—shhh,” he hushed me gently, placing a finger against my lips. “You’re not a jinx. You’re my most beautiful queen,” he said proudly, like it was the only truth that mattered.
• “Tyler, you have such a simple life. I’d never be able to forgive myself if I ruined it,” I said, my voice cracking. “I don’t know what to do anymore… I’m scared.”
• Without hesitation, he wiped away my tears and pulled me into his arms. All my life, his embrace had been the only true comfort I’d ever known.
• “Remember what I told you all those years ago?” he said gently. “Nothing can kill me. I’m untouchable.”
• “But I’m still scared,” I whispered, the fear refusing to leave me.
• “I know,” he said. “Which is why I’m here—to prove to you, again and again, that nothing can break me. Not even you can ruin me.”
• I collapsed to my knees, my strength suddenly gone, tears streaming down my cheeks.
• When you hit rock bottom, all it takes is one person—just one—who understands you. One person who doesn’t want to bury you when you're already down. And that makes all the difference.
• I cried in Tyler’s arms for what felt like forever, until he gently pulled back, looked me in the eyes, and gave me an ultimatum. Then, without a word, he guided me to the couch and sat me down.
• “So, tell me what happened. I came back as soon as I heard about the accident. I went to your house, but Darla said you don’t live there anymore. Where did you go? Where have you been for the past year?” he asked, his voice laced with concern and frustration.
• “There are so many questions… I don’t even know where to start,” I replied, overwhelmed.
• “Start with where you’ve been this past year,” Tyler demanded.
• “Something happened... and I had to go into hiding. I’m sorry I didn’t contact you or anyone else,” I explained, the guilt settling in my chest like a stone.
• “Where the hell did you go?” he pressed.
• “It’s not safe to talk about it here,” I said quietly.
• “This is a safety issue?!” Tyler’s voice rose with alarm.
• I nodded, avoiding his gaze.
• “You have to report this to the cops,” he insisted.
• “I can’t. I don’t have any evidence. Besides... they already got what they wanted. I’m of no use to them anymore,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
• “They… Darla and Darlene?” Tyler asked, eyes narrowing.
• I nodded.
• “Why?”
• “Money. Mr. Hamburg’s assets.” I shrugged. “What else would it be?”
• “But those should belong to you—you’re the rightful heir,” he argued.
• I shook my head and handed him the document Darla had made me sign. “No. The will Mr. Hamburg left behind doesn’t mention me at all.”
• Tyler frowned as he flipped through the five-page document, scanning every word like it might suddenly shift and reveal a hidden clause. But there was nothing. No name. No mention. No rights.
• “This doesn’t make sense,” he muttered. “You’re his daughter. Why would your father leave you with nothing?”
• “DNA isn’t enough to make you family, Tyler,” I said, voice trembling. “To him… I never existed.”
• “Anna, this is so fucked up,” Tyler tutted, tossing the papers down.
• “Exactly why I’m the j—”
• “Don’t even start with that jinx crap,” he cut me off sharply.
• “Fine,” I muttered, falling silent.
• Tyler didn’t let it go. “If he treated you like an outsider, why not treat him the same way? Come home with me. Leave all of this behind.”
• “I can’t,” I said quietly.
• “Why not? His beloved wife doesn’t care whether he lives or dies—so why should you?” His voice sharpened with frustration.
• “Because if I walk away, he will die,” I shot back.
• “And you care because?” he asked, his tone laced with disbelief.
• “Because without him, I wouldn’t be here.”
• Tyler sighed. “Sweetheart, why are you being so damn filial to a man who doesn’t even acknowledge you as his daughter?”
• “To him, I don’t exist,” I said. “But to me… he does.”
• He stared at me, searching for something he couldn’t quite name.
• “Why take on this burden? What will you even get out of it? A man like that will never wake up one day and finally appreciate you. He’ll never love you the way you deserve.”
• “All my life, I thought I’d already hit rock bottom—that it couldn’t get any worse. But after the accident, I found somewhere darker… colder than I ever thought possible.” My voice trembled, but I pushed through. “I’m not asking for affection or acceptance. All I want is a little peace of mind. Just enough to know that he’s safe and sound.”
• I looked away, blinking back the sting in my eyes. “As long as I know I did everything I could… I’ll have no regrets.”
• Tyler exhaled slowly. And just like that—he caved.
• “You’ve already made up your mind. Who am I to stop you?” Tyler sighed, clearly hating the idea, but I was firm in my decision.
• “Thank you,” I whispered softly.
• “So, what now?” he asked.
• “Find a place to live… and get another job. My current wage won’t cover the medical bills,” I admitted.
• “How about you move in with me? Rent-free,” he offered.
• “You know that’s not possible. I’ve already ruined enough relationships—don’t make me ruin yours too,” I said, gently but firmly.
• “But Anna…” he started, unwilling to give up.
• “You know Brian better than I do, and I know you love him. I can’t do that to you,” I cut him off. This was nonnegotiable.
• “So, where are you going to go?” Tyler asked.
• “I’ll probably stay here for the time being.”
• “You know you can’t stay here for long, right?” Tyler pointed out.
• “I know, but this will have to do for now. Look on the bright side—I’ve got a whole couch to myself, and Mr. Hamburg is just an arm’s reach away. It’s the first time I’ve ever spent this much time with him.” I joked.
• “Heh, I don’t see what’s so bright about that,” Tyler tutted, turning to Mr. Hamburg. “I don’t know what standards you used to judge people, but you should be ashamed of the way you treated my queen.”
• “Tyler.” I shot him a glare.
• “What? I’m just telling it like it is.” Tyler shrugged and looked away. “I’m not going to apologize,” he added defiantly.
• I gave up and sighed in defeat.
• “So… are you really not moving in with me? Last offer—take it or leave it?” he offered.
• “You know me. I’ve been through hell and back. Nothing can kill me.” I smiled.
• “That’s my queen. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to let me know. Also, all your food expenses are on me,” Tyler demanded.
• “No, you can’t do that,” I protested.
• “Then you just agreed to move in with me.” Tyler smirked.
• “Why is it so hard to shake you off my tail?” I groaned.
• “Because I love you, honey.” Tyler chimed.
• “Tyler, I love you. Will you marry me?” I teased.
• “Wow, I didn’t know you were so brazen,” he teased back. “But no, I’m in love with someone else.” He kindly refused.
• “But why won’t you fall for me? Am I not pretty enough?” I feigned heartbreak.
• “You are the most beautiful human being in the world,” he said. “But you’re just not my type. Now, we should stop before I get struck by Zeus’s lightning,” Tyler joked, and we both laughed.
• Tyler and I go way back. Knowing he doesn’t like me that way, I love teasing him with marriage proposals. The look on his face when he turns me down is always hilarious.
• We have our similarities and differences, but somehow, he never fails to make me smile.