Another night and yet again he came home around 10pm after having left the home in early morning this morning. This has been going on for 2 months now and frankly she was getting tired of it. He left every morning without so much as a goodbye..just "Gotta go, I've got a business to run." Like, really?? For two months he didn't once take their 6 year old son to school, he didn't spend quality time with his family anymore, he missed breakfasts and dinners at least 3 times a week and on those times that he were to be present, he's constantly on his phone.
Eight years of marriage. Eight! You'd think he would at least make some effort to try and be with his family, even just for a few hours of quality time but nope. At first when his work started pulling him away from them she was understanding - he took control of the company just over a year ago but she couldn't understand what has gotten into him lately. The two of them barely even talked now because of this. She was angry at him because she had to constantly explain to their son where dad was. Oh and also, they didn't have sex because one or the other was always tired or she pretended to be asleep whenever he came home late. She hated to admit it but she has wondered if maybe he's...seeing..someone..else? She couldn't even fathom the idea, it made her nauseous.
He was the perfect man...husband, dad. He was perfect. She had tried to talk to him about his schedule but he would just get an attitude and argue that the company is going through some changes.
So tonight she waited for him. Sitting in the kitchen with a glass of wine to give her some kind of strength because this might turn into a very heated argument. She could hear his footsteps coming her way. Looking up from her fiddling hands their eyes met.
She took a deep breathe then.."Hi."
"What are you still doing up?" Geez, not even a Hi.
"Waiting for you. Fitz, can we talk?"
"Now? Liv I'm exhausted." He moved to get a glass of water.
"And I'm not? I have a job, a child to take care of and a household to run. Surely you can sit down for a few minutes to hear me out?"
He downed his water and sighed heavily as he took a seat opposite her. "I'm sitting."
"How's work?"
"Still hectic."
"So you won't be able to make Thorgan's game on Friday?"
"Olivia. ."
"Of course. Can you at least be the one to tell him that you won't be there to watch him?"
"Why are you so angry?"
Liv scoffed. "You really wanna know?"
"You said you wanted to talk but now you're just looking for an argument."
"Is your work more important than your family?" Liv asked looking him straight in his eyes.
"Okay now you're just overreacting." He said about to get up but she stopped him.
"Oh am I? You're not you anymore Fitz."
"How am I not me? Because I work?"
"I also work but I don't leave at the crack of dawn and come home after 10 every night. Why? Well because I know that I have a family at home."
"I don't believe this. The company is going through some changes right now Liv. A company that I just took over not too long ago. I have to be present at all times. I can't just dump everything on my staff."
"So in the meantime my job is to think of new excuses to give Thorgan everytime he wants to know why dad is working late again or why dad didn't have breakfast or help him with his homework. But that doesn't bother you at all does it?"
"Really Olivia!? Are you saying I don't care about my son??" He raised his voice.
"I'm saying how about you fucking try and be as good a team player at home as you are at work."
"I'm here Olivia. So I've had a few early mornings and late nights at work but--"
Liv scoffed and shot a glare his way. "A few.."
"I'm just doing my god damn job Olivia! Do you want me to just sit at home instead? Is that what you want?"
She took a deep breathe to calm herself. "Fitz you spend more time with your co-workers and clients than you do with your own wife and kid."
"No I don't." He denied.
"Yes.You.Do. When was the last time you sat down and had a conversation with him? Ask him about school or soccer? Gave him your undivided attention like you used to? All you do is come home, down a glass or two of scotch and either bury yourself in more work or go straight to bed."
"I check on Thorgan every night! No matter how late I get in. I go into his room and kiss him goodnight."
"And that's supposed to justify all the other ways you've neglected him?"
"You know what? This is completely unnecessary. You're trying to make me feel bad for working and that's just being unreasonable."
"You do realise that I've practically been raising our son alone for almost two months now right? And I'm not complaining, oh no, he's my son and I'll do anything for him. I'll always be there for him. It's just the fact that I have a husband who's not even trying to help out that's pissing me off."
Fitz chuckled dryly. "Like I said before, you're overreacting."
"Okay. When was the last time you told me you love me?"
Now he just laughed arrogantly. "Ohh my god. So this is about you now? Nevermind don't answer that. I think I'm gonna go out for a bit. Let me know when you've calmed down."
Liv was heartbroken. What happened to the man she knows and loves? Why was this Fitz so...cold?
"I thought you said you were tired?" She fired back.
"Is everything I do a problem to you now?"
"Did I do something? Is that why you dread being at home and choose to work or go out with your buddies from work instead?"
"I'm going now, clearly I'm infuriating you to no end."
"You're just gonna leave?"
"Yes, otherwise I'll get angry and say things that you.. Nevermind, just go to bed."
"Don't fucking tell me what to do."
"Goodnight Olivia."
"Fuck you!" She yelled after him and cried as soon she heard the door close behind him.
xxx
When Liv got to work the next day after dropping Thorgan off at school she felt drained but she had to pull it together.
Liv and her brother Harrison were the owners of a Deli and Bakery. Their business did exceptionally good. They had their regular customers but apart from them, plenty of people around town would stream into their store on a daily basis and orders were always streaming in for their cakes.
"Hey sis."
"Morning Harry."
"How's Thor? Is he ready for his game tomorrow?"
"He's very excited. It was all he could talk about this morning when I dropped him off." Liv said with a smile.
"That's great. Liv are you okay?"
"Yes why?"
"I don't know.. Something seems off. Actually, I've noticed it for some time now."
"Harrison I'm good stop worrying."
"Marcus told he saw Fitz outside of Denny's Pub last night, smoking."
Her face scrunched in a frown. "Smoking? Fitz doesn't smoke."
"I don't wanna cause any trouble but him getting high in the middle of the week is strange."
"Getting high?? Harrison what are you talking about?"
"They were smoking weed. Him and his corporate friends."
"Are you sure?"
"Liv.. Marcus wouldn't lie he works with the guy. Is there... Is everything okay between you guys?"
"I'm not discussing my marriage with you."
"Sis you know I'll sort him out real quick."
"Let it go, please Harry."
"I don't want to see my sister being unhappy."
"Hm?"
"I'm assuming whatever is going on between you guys are the reason you've been so quiet lately."
"We'll sort it out."
"Wait, you should've been able to smell that weed on him last night when he got home..."
"I uh.. He.."
"Liv seriously what's going on?"
"We had an argument, he left and when he came back he slept in the guest room."
"Well what the hell is his problem? Acting like he don't have a family at home while he's out having nice time with his damn friends."
"Harrison. I'm not asking you again, let it go. Please."
"Okay..okay."
"Thank you. C'mon let's get busy. I have to check on our deliveries for today."
"I can't believe the amount of cupcakes that was ordered."
"I know. It's like suddenly the whole town has some type of function going on."
Around noon, Olivia left work to pick her son up from school.
"Hi baby, how was school today?"
Thorgan buckled himself in to the backseat before he replied. "Hi momma, it was okay." He wasn't his bubbly self.
"Hey buddy what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"But you don't look happy. Did something happen at school?."
"Seth and Noah's dads are taking them out after the game tomorrow."
"Where are they going?"
"Jump Zone."
"Oh, the place with the trampolines and bouncy houses and such?"
"Yeah."
"Would you like to go?" She asked looking at him through the rear view mirror.
"I don't know..maybe."
"Thorgan mommy will take you if you want to go."
"Why can't daddy take me? He never takes me anywhere anymore and all the other kids dads are helping them prepare for the match but he didn't."
Liv gripped the steering wheel so tight out of anger for her husband. She hated seeing her baby boy so sad and his father was the reason.
"Daddy is very busy at work sweetie. Would you like uncle Harry to take you instead?"
"But why does dad always have to work? I don't even see him."
"He has to work to make money so that he can buy you nice things."
"I don't want nice things momma I just want dad. Is he coming to watch me play tomorrow?"
Liv really didn't want to answer. She was not about to break her boy's heart any further.
That's it. "We could go to dad's office then you can ask him, what do you say?"
"Okay."
"Alright then. Can you stop being sad now? I don't like to see my baby being sad."
"I'm not a baby mom."
"You're my baby."
The mother and son took the elevator up to the top floor while holding hands. Liv threw her straightened hair over her shoulder as the doors opened on their designated floor and they happened to bump into Marcus.
"Liv hey! Hey Thor what's up buddy?"
"Hey Marcus. We're here to see his dad, is he in?"
"Yeah we just got out of a meeting, he should be in his office. Anyway I gotta go meet the missus for lunch. See you guys."
"Bye Marcus."
Everyone in that building knew Fitz's wife and their adorable son with the dimpled smile.
Fitz's door was ajar so Thorgan ran straight ahead. "Dad!!"
Liv instantly saw the surprise on her husband's face before shifting her gaze. He definitely did not expect them to show up. The two of them didn't even greet each other because Liv focused her attention on her son instead of looking at Fitz.
"Dad I've missed you." The young boy said as he clung on to Fitz.
"You did?"
"Yes."
"So what are you and mom doing here?"
"He wants to know if you're gonna be at his match tomorrow." Liv spoke up but kept her eyes on her son who's sitting on his father's lap.
"Hey Thor, wanna watch cartoons on my laptop while I go and talk to mommy?"
"Um yeah okay."
"Alright bud. Stay here in daddy's office okay?"
"Okay dad."
Fitz grabbed his phone and walked to his door. "I'd like to have a word with you."
Liv followed him without saying a word. They got to an empty conference room where he closed the door behind her. The blackout blinds provided the necessary privacy.
"I'm flying out to New York tonight. I'll be back tomorrow but not in time for his match, why did you think bringing him here would be a good idea?" Fitz asked somewhat annoyed.
"Look, I don't care what you do just go back there and let him know that you won't be there tomorrow so that we can leave and I can take him for pizza and ice cream to try and cheer him up."
"What is your problem?"
"Didn't you listen to anything I said last night? Oh wait let me guess, the weed conveniently wiped out that memory."
"What?"
Liv gave him an icy glare. "Nothing."
"Who told you about that?"
"Does it matter?"
Fitz sighed. "Whatever."
"Go and give your son the bad news, I want to leave."
xxx
On Thorgan's match day he had a ton of supporters there to cheer him on. Both sets of grandparents, Harrison as well as his godmother and Liv's best friend Abby with her 3 year old daughter.
Everyone could tell things were a bit tense between Liv and Fitz judging by her reaction everytime someone asked about his absence.
After the game Liv and Harrison took Thorgan to the Jump Zone to play his heart out. His soccer team had won which was a bonus because it brightened up his mood. After being disappointed by his father he was really in the best of moods.
They enjoyed themselves to the fullest and stayed until 5pm then drove to Kathy and Gerry's place - Fitz's parents. They wanted their grandson to stay over for the weekend.
After dinner with her in-laws Liv got ready to go home.
"Thor give mommy a hug and a kiss."
Her son walked onto her arms and gave her a tight hug. She loved how affectionate he was. "Will you be okay on your own momma?"
"I'll be fine baby. You be good for grandma and grandpa okay?"
"Okay."
"Goodnight sweetie."
"Night mom."
Kathy and Gerry looked on at their sweet interaction.
"I'll walk you out." Kathy said and fell in stride with her daughter-in-law.
"So I'll pick him on Sunday afternoon."
"Sure, sweetheart are you okay?"
With a not so convincing smile Liv nodded. "I'm fine."
"Why did Thor ask if you'll be okay on your own? Where's Fitz?"
"Working I guess."
"I don't follow.."
"He's constantly at work. We barely see him. Thorgan misses him so much and he told me yesterday, all he wants is his dad but what can I do? Fitz doesn't listen to me."
"But I was under the impression that him taking over was such a smooth transition. The company is doing good, it's just a few promotions and new appointments that I know of.. Why can't he make time for you guys. Oh Liv, I'll talk to him."
"No please don't it'll just upset him and I don't want to get into another fight with him."
"I'm so sorry."
"He walked out the other night when I confronted him about his absence in the house. Even when he's there he's just not fully present. Right now I'm just focusing on being the best mother I can be to my boy. His happiness is all that matters."
"I really hope that son of mine gets his head together. I'm so sorry Liv."
"I'll be okay. Goodnight Kathy, please don't spoil Thorgan too much."
"He's our only grandchild, spoiling him is our favourite thing to do. Goodnight Liv."
Olivia didn't know whether Fitz would be at home or not but she was not in the mood to go home at the moment so she called up her friend Quinn to have a drink with her. They went to a nice lounge with a great vibe - just what she needed. Quinn brought along her boyfriend Charlie.
"So, is your trip to Italy still on?" Liv asked the couple.
"Yep I can't wait."
"Please send lots of pictures."
"Oh I will."
"Whoa.." Charlie muttered looking over Liv's shoulder towards the bar.
Quinn followed his gaze. "Wha- Ohhh."
There Fitz was with 3 other men in suits surrounded by women throwing themselves at them.
"What are you two staring at?" Liv asked and turned in her seat. Her heart pounded in her chest and her breathing quickened rapidly, she was angry. So so angry.
"Liv.."
"I'll be right back." She replied quietly and got up.
As Liv neared the bar she could hear one of the men saying "Oh shit, heads up Fitzy."
"Liv. What are you doing here?"
"Is this what work looks like?" She countered with venom in her voice.
One of the girls, a brunette, interjected. "Fitz can you do this some other time we have a another round to order."
"Olivia, this is about work. We just closed a very good deal and a celebration was in order."
The brunette giggled. "It wasn't a work meeting last week when this one could barely stand on his two feet." She pointed to one of the men.
Liv was hurt. Genuinely deeply hurt. "What happened to you Fitz?"
"Can this wait until we get home?"
"Excuse me?"
He got up and pulled her aside. "Would you just relax."
"You fucking missed your son's soccer match and so many other things but you can hang out in bars with a bunch of skanky ass women!!"
"Liv stop, you're causing a scene and where is Thorgan if you're here?"
"At home, alone because I'm such a fucking awful parent. Oh wait, that's you."
"I'm not going to fight with you."
"Are you sleeping with them huh?"
"What, no."
"I did send you those nudes though!" One of the girls said loud enough with laughter for Liv to hear and that did it. Olivia was shaking from anger.
"I hate you."
"I have never cheated on you Liv you're my wife for goodness sake."
"Oh yeah and what did you do with those nudes!?"
"It was all part of a stupid joke. The guys were behind it and if you must know I deleted it immediately."
'Well we're not having sex so you're fucking getting it from somewhere!"
"No I'm not and please keep your voice down."
"What did I do? What did your son do? Why the fuck are you treating us like shit?" She was now crying.
"Fitz are you almost done? We gotta go."
"Tell me you're not leaving here with them!?"
"Damn Fitz get her in order."
That bitch had some fucking nerve. Liv snapped and snatched Fitz's drink out of his hand so quick that he didn't even have time to react until he heard the glass shattering into pieces. After throwing the glass at her Olivia marched towards the woman who so blatantly disrespected her - and in front of her husband who didn't do a damn thing about it.
"Olivia no!!" Fitz intervened and held her back.
"LET GO OF ME YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!" She struggled in his arms.
"NO! Come on stop this. Let's just go home."
"I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITH YOU." Liv yelled and started hitting him and pushing him away. "You've... you've hurt me." She sobbed and struggled to get her words out.
Quinn and Charlie came over to help. "Fitz just let her go. She obviously doesn't want to go with you."
"Don't tell me what to do, she's my wife."
"Let go of me. Let go of me." Then she took a deep breathe and continued. "Let go of me. I hate you."
"You heard her, now let go. We've got this."
"Charlie would you shut up!" Fitz said rasing his voice.
Liv couldn't stand him right now. All that hurt from the past two months was threatening to come out in some way.
She started fighting him again but it didn't work. He was strong, so she slapped him hard across the face.
She peeled his hands from her body and walked over to the bar where she demanded a drink. Quinn and Charlie followed her and watched on as the glass trembled in her hands.
"Liv c'mon we'll get you home."
"He's been awful to us. Our son is so sad and hurt because of him." She cried into the glass.
"C'mon it's going to be okay." Quinn tried to console her.
She got up with the help of Charlie because she was still shaking so violently. "Careful." Charlie muttered. From a distance Fitz looked on as his wife got escorted out with the help of her friends. He'll admit, she looked drained. In fact, this was the first time he took the time to look at her, really look at her.
Fitz ran his fingers through his hair and shut his eyes close. "Fuck."
xxx
*knock* *knock* *knock* *knock*
It was persistent and loud. Fitz dragged his feet downstairs.
When he arrived home earlier after the incident at the lounge he found an empty house. Liv wasn't there and for some reason he was actually surprised, but of course she wasn't there she hated him at the moment.
*knock* *knock* *knock*
"I'm coming!" His voice boomed.
Opening the door he was met with a very angry looking Harrison who grabbed him by his shirt. "What is wrong with you huh? What the fuck is wrong with you?"
"Harrison I know you're not trying to beat me up in my own home right now. Get your hands off of me."
"Or what huh? What are you going to do!?" Harrison raised his voice in anger and punched him to the ground.
Fitz took it. He took the punch and didn't fight back. "I take it you heard about what happened tonight?" He asked getting up.
"Just tell me one thing.. Why are you treating them like this? Look at you, did you even bother to go looking for your wife? Do you know where she is right now?"
"Her friends. They took her away."
"And did you make an effort to call her afterwards?"
"No because she hates me. She made that very clear."
Harrison chuckled humourlessly. "Idiot."
"What did I do that was so bad hmm?"
"You need to get your priorities straight and to answer your question, of all the ways you've managed to fucked up, this time you went too far, my sister is laying in the hospital because of you."
Fitz gulped when he registered what Harrison had said. "Wh.. Wha.. What? No. How?"
"She passed out in the car when Quinn brought her home earlier. Quinn couldn't get her to gain consciousness so she took her straight to the hospital."
"Is she okay?"
"What do you care you've been treating her like shit."
"I haven't been treating her like shit I've just been busy okay. I have a company to run."
"How the fuck are you too busy for your own damn wife and kid?"
"Which hospital is she at?"
"Doesn't matter because she don't want you there."
"I'm her husband!"
"Man just leave her alone. She is tired and she needs rest so please."
"Where's Thorgan?"
"Really? Oh my god.." Harrison groaned.
"Where's my son Harrison."
"You should know better than me about the whereabouts of your son. Can you see how embarrassing this is? You are so out of touch with your family man."
"Okay I get it."
"Do you?"
"Yes. I've fucked up, big time."
"Thor is with your parents. Liv took him there this afternoon oh and his team won today." A smile creeping at the corner of his mouth. "He scored a superb goal and got an assist. He's got mad talent that kid."
Fitz's jaw clenched. "Fuck." His voice was full of regret.
"Why don't you go and see your son in the morning." Harrison suggested.
"Does he know about his mother?"
"No, mom informed your parents but obviously Thor was already asleep."
"Is Liv going to be okay?"
"Yeah, look I'm gonna go now."
"Okay. Thanks for letting me know about her."
"Sure, try stop being an ass from now on."
xxx
"Hey mom."
"Fitzgerald, I'm angry with you."
"I know mom believe me I do. Everyone is upset with me at the moment. Look, I've had all night to go over the past two months and I'm disgusted with myself. I just wanted to show the board that I've earned this position but the way I went about it.. It makes me sick..abandoning my family like that."
"You should never put anyone or anything above your family Fitz."
"Did you tell Thorgan about his mother?"
"No we didn't want to worry him. And also he would've wanted to be with her if he knew and she currently needs her rest."
"Do you know when she'll be discharged? I'm too ashamed to phone either of her parents and Harrison probably won't tell me anything either."
"Later today."
"Okay. Do you think she'll come home?"
"Of course she will and not just for the sake of her son but I don't believe Liv would just give up on her marriage. That woman really loves you Fitz."
"I feel like complete shit."
"Just move forward and earn her forgiveness but for now why don't you go and see your son. They're in the backyard working in your father's vegetable garden."
"I don't think Thorgan will be jumping for joy when he sees me. I've let him down."
"Fitz he still loves you, you're his dad."
"I don't know. . Last night Liv told me that she hated me. She was crying and yelling. I really hurt her. So yeah, I don't even want to imagine how Thorgan must be feeling."
"Liv took him out after the game yesterday, in which he was pretty darn amazing by the way. So he's in a rather good mood."
"I do love them, Liv and my little guy. I love them."
"And it's time for you to prove that to them."
"How? I'm almost certain Olivia does not want to see my face."
"I don't know how you're going to do it but you'll have to fix this."
"I think I'm gonna go see what those two are up to."
"Alright."
"Oh wait, how mad is dad? 'Cause I know how much he cares about Liv."
"Just go out there Fitzgerald."
Fitz smiled then walked through the glass door. Both Gerry and Thorgan looked up and made eye contact with him but then continued their garden work.
Fitz crouched down close to them. "Hello dad. Hey buddy."
"Son." Okay so his dad was upset.
"Bud what are you doing over there?"
"Planting seeds." He whispered.
"Cool. Maybe you should keep some to plant over at our house."
"Maybe."
Gerry decided to get up and give the two them some alone time.
"Granpa where are you going?"
"I'm just going to check up on your grandma okay."
"Okay."
Fitz watched his boy, intently. He was so focused on the task at hand. "Buddy can we talk?"
"Do I have to?"
"I know daddy has made you sad buddy but I really wanna talk to you about uh about my you know, my behaviour."
"Why are you never home anymore?"
"Because I seemed to have gotten my priorities mixed up. I focused too much on my work and I didn't do good as a daddy but I want to do better now."
"I scored a goal yesterday." Thorgan said as he poked a few seeds into the ground.
"Yeah so I've heard. That's so awesome bud, wow."
"Mommy has a video of it. Did she show it to you?"
"No not yet. Are you mad at me?"
"Um.. Is it okay if I am?"
"Yes, it's fine. You have a right to be mad."
"Well I am and I was sad but mommy doesn't like it when I get sad. She says it makes her sad."
"I'm sorry Thorgan. Hey, if I promise to you that I'll do better do you think you can try to forgive me?"
"I guess. Dad?"
"Yes?"
"Can you not work so much anymore? I miss you."
"Get over here come on, c'mere." He enveloped his son into a bear hug. Tears threatening to fall as he tries to keep it together. "I'm so sorry. I love you buddy, never forget that."
"Do you love mom?"
Fitz hated himself that he made his son doubt his love for him and his mother. "I love mom very much."
"She isn't happy."
"What?"
"I see her crying sometimes but I don't say anything because I don't know what's wrong. Can you make it better?"
Fitz wanted to break down and cry. What the hell did I do?
"I'll make it better bud I promise. Hey why don't you get your soccer ball and show me how you scored that awesome goal yesterday."
"Okay!"
xxx
Fitz left his parents house and returned to his home. When he pulled in their driveway there were two cars parked - one belonging to his in-laws and the other to Abby. Time to face the music.
He didn't know what to expect when he walked through that door but he couldn't be a coward now. He deserved whatever hell they were going to give him. So he got out of his car and entered his house.
Following the voices he walked through to the living room. There sat his wife - looking much better than what he saw last night, her parents Joan and Calvin, and a furious looking Abby when she spotted him.
"You." Abby scowled at him.
"Hello Abby. Hi Joan, Calvin."
"I hope you're happy with yourself."
"Abby I..."
Calvin quickly interjected. "Fitz, can I have a word?" Fuck, here it comes.
"Yes sir." They walked into the kitchen.
"I never meant for any of this to happen and no this is not me looking for excuses, it's all on me. I let my wife down and I feel terrible. It's all my fault and I'm sorry, I've put your daughter in the hospital. You must hate me."
"Your actions put her in the hospital. Your lack of interest in your marriage put her in the hospital. The way you disappointed your son... It was all too much for her. Too much heartache and pain."
"Is she okay? What really happened? All I know is that she passed out."
"She's fine. Her blood pressure was very low. She was also exhausted from doing everything on her own, she just needed some rest."
"Why haven't you punched me yet, I clearly deserve it."
"What good would that really do? You and my daughter should sort this out. I can't be getting involved in your marriage but I would just like you to know that if you don't get your shit together, I won't be playing Mr Nice Guy for long."
"I promise I'll do anything to fix things with Liv. I'll do anything."
"You better not break that promise."
"I won't sir."
"I think we're gonna go..give you two some privacy."
"Could you take Abby with you? I think she's plotting my murder." Fitz said with light humour.
"Olivia might be upset but I doubt she'll allow Abby to kill you." Calvin joked as the two men made their way back to the others.
"Sweetheart your mom and I are leaving now. Abby, you should probably get back to David and Lucy."
Abby looked at Liv to see if she's okay to which Liv send a reassuring nod her way. "Bye Liv. I'll call you later tonight."
"Okay, bye Abby. Bye mom, dad."
Everyone had left and till this moment Liv had not even attempted to make eye contact with Fitz. She just wasn't ready and he could see that but all he wanted to do was to make things right. Fitz sat down next to her.
"Livvie. . I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"
No answer.
"I know, you're angry and you hate me. I don't blame you I've been a horrible husband and father, I've realised that now but I guess it's too late because I've already hurt you so much."
She still didn't react.
"Livvie please.. I owe you an explanation."
Olivia got up and went upstairs leaving him alone on the couch. Fitz dropped his head into his hands. How am I going to make things right if she won't even look at me? He questioned himself.
Throughout the day Fitz gave her some space. He didn't want to push her. Then at night time he waited for her to get settled in bed before he walked into their room, which was already dark. He took a shower and got into bed.
Fitz knew she wasn't asleep yet, so he figured he'd try again. "I felt a bit under pressure at work..well a lot actually. The company took a slight dip a few months after I took over, the board was all over me and our fiercest competition were waiting on us..on me to fail. I know, I shouldn't have tried to do all of this on my own but I felt that I had a point to prove. I'm sorry for not talking to you about it. I got my workplace in order, got new people in, got rid of the one's that we felt didn't contribute to our vision..things like that. The board suggested I be more of a leader so I became this ruthless and arrogant person who had no mercy. It was business or nothing and I guess I brought that Fitz home with me. The guys had my back, together we brought new business in, signed more contracts and later on they asked me to join them for a drink or two that's how my friendship with them started. I'll admit, their way of having a good time was not appropriate for any grown, responsible, married man and I should've picked up on that sooner but I was clouded by power. I never wanted to appear weak in front of anyone. Livvie I shouldn't have neglected you and our son. That was wrong. I've had time to think about everything.. my actions, what it did to our family and honestly I'm ashamed. I'm not that man Livvie, you know that. I love you so much and I never want to lose you, ever."
Olivia tugged the sheets closer to her as a shield of some sort. She heard him... Listened to everything he said as she felt the hot tears flowing down her face. This didn't make it better. He had no right to push his family aside and on top of that he had an attitude about it.
Hesitantly Fitz reached over to stroke her arm. "Baby.." but Liv moved further away from him and that stung him.
"Olivia, please I'm so sorry. I went to see Thorgan today. We talked. He opened up to me and I did the same. I was honest with him and I promised him that I will make it up to both of you. I love you Livvie and I love our son. Please... Say something."
Liv wiped her tears away and took a few deep encouraging breaths before she turned on her other side - facing Fitz in the darkness.
"What do you want me to say?" Her voice almost startled him. He wanted her to communicate with him but wasn't really expecting any kind of response.
"Anything."
"You acted like we didn't exist."
"And I'm sorry baby."
"You've changed."
"No, I'm still me I'm still your Fitz."
"I don't recognise my Fitz."
"I messed up Livvie I know that but let me proof to you that I'm still the man you chose. The man you fell in love with. I'll do anything, let me earn you back Livvie."
She thought about it. of course she wasn't going to give up on them but she wanted him to feel at least a fraction of the hurt that he caused her.
"Okay." She whispered.
"Uh wha- okay?"
"Yes, okay."
"Okay." Fitz smiled and pulled her body into his arms. This time she didn't fight him. He hugged her with everything in him and Liv started sobbing. "Shhh it's okay. I promise from now on you and Thorgan come before and above everything else."
"I don't hate you Fitz, I can't...I could never hate you."
"Even if you did I wouldn't blame you. I can't tell you enough how sorry I am."
They stayed like that in each others arms. It felt like ages since they last shared a hug.
The following day Fitz let her sleep and prepared an extravagant breakfast for the two of them. Over breakfast they picked up where they left off last night and communicated with each other. They talked about Liv's feelings and how his behaviour affected both her and their son.
"Shouldn't you eat up and get to work?"
"Liv no. Work can wait, hell I never should've went to work on weekends anyway. From now on there'll be no more late nights at the office for me. Not unless it's absolutely necessary. I'll be having breakfast with my family every morning and take my son to school. I'll help out everywhere around the house and spend quality time with you guys, I promise. It'll be like the good old times."
"Thank you but can I..um, can I ask you something?"
"Those girls.."
Fitz knew where this was going so he jumped in. "Never and I repeat never have I touched, kissed or slept with another woman I swear."
"Okay. I believe you."
"You're it for me Livvie. By the way Thor said you have the video of him scoring in his match, do you mind showing it to me?"
"Sure." She grabbed her phone. "Here."
Fitz had the biggest grin on his face while watching the video. "Wow look at him go. He's gotten so much better."
"Remember how he told us he wants to go to the world cup one day?"
"Oh yeah. We played a bit yesterday when I went to see him."
"How was he? With you, how was he with you?"
"Distant at first but we ended up having a good time."
"Breakfast was delicious, thank you." Liv said getting up and removed her dirty dishes from the table.
Fitz followed her. "No problem."
Liv could feel him behind her and for some reason she was nervous. Besides falling asleep in each others arms last night they haven't really showed affection of any kind in a long time.
She turned around and he was in her face. "Livvie.. Can I kiss you?"
They gazed into each others eyes and Liv had to admit, she missed his touch.
"Yes."
With her confirmation Fitz closed in on her lips and kissed her with more love, passion and affection than ever before. She allowed him entrance to her mouth and he got a good taste of her. The loss of air didn't matter as they continued their sensual kiss with urgency.
Eventually they pulled apart. "I can't believe I was such an ass to you." Fitz said gazing into her eyes.
"Let's just put it behind us."
He smiled lovingly and pecked her full lips. "I love you so much."
"You should stay far away from Abby, she's going to kill you." Liv said with a serious expression.
He grimaced. "Fuck I knew it."
"That's what you get for being a total ass."
"If I make it out alive after her assault I'd like to take you out on a date."
"I guess we'll have to wait and see."
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This is something I came up with a few days ago.
Should I keep this going on? I'm not too sure with my other stories waiting to be updated but let me know what you think.