AN – Thanks for all the reviews, they really mean a lot to me! I hope everyone is safe with this hurricane!
Enjoy the next chapter :)
Chapter 22
It had been a week and a half since Tobias had ended things, and Tris still felt the sting of it deep in her chest. She understood why he had done it—of course she did. He had to put Ella first, and Tris would never ask him to do anything else. But understanding it didn't make it hurt any less.
The abruptness of it all had caught her off guard. One moment, they had been tangled up in each other, the heat between them undeniable, and the next, he had shut her out completely. It wasn't just that he had broken things off—it was the way he had done it. Without any real explanation, without giving her a chance to talk about it, to understand.
What bothered her most wasn't just the breakup itself—it was the way he was behaving afterward. His avoidance was ridiculous. At first, she had tried to talk to him, to reach out. She had called him a few times, left voicemails that went unanswered. She had even sent a few texts, simple messages, checking in on him, on Ella, but those were ignored too. He was acting like a child, refusing her calls, ignoring her texts, pretending not to be home when she knocked on his door, and even running the other way like a teenager, when he saw her, avoiding a confrontation. It was a bit ridiculous, honestly. She had tried to be understanding at first, giving him space, but after a week of his radio silence and cold avoidance, she had given up trying to reach out.
He was the one who had chased her, who had fought for them to be together, who had made her feel like they were building something real—and then he had flipped a switch, almost as if their relationship had never mattered.
If he didn't want to talk, she wasn't going to chase someone who didn't want her. It hurt, but she had her pride.
Still, it didn't make the ache in her chest any easier to deal with. She missed him—desperately. More than she wanted to admit, even to herself. And it wasn't just Tobias she missed. It was Ella too. That little girl had wiggled her way into Tris's heart in a way she hadn't expected. The two days she'd spent away at her grandmother's lake house should've given her time to clear her head, to take a break and focus on herself. But instead, the quiet time alone had only made her realize how much she missed the life she had started to build with Tobias. The dinners together, the simple, domestic moments with Ella, even the playful teasing between her and Tobias—all of it had felt so right. And now, it was just… gone. Tris felt hollow. It wasn't just Tobias she had lost. She had lost them both.
She had tried to move on, to focus on her job and her life outside of Tobias. But no matter how hard she tried, the ache in her chest remained.
Tris had been doing everything possible to keep herself busy since the breakup. He had said he needed to focus on Ella, that he couldn't afford distractions, but the way he'd cut her out without a second thought left her feeling discarded, like she didn't matter. He had completely ghosted her—no calls, no replies to her texts, nothing. Now, she found herself avoiding the quiet of her apartment, drowning herself in work just to stop thinking about him.
The pain spiked every time she walked past his apartment. She had tried to move forward, tried to convince herself that it was for the best, but the ache refused to go away. Tobias had left her hanging without an explanation she could accept, and it gnawed at her every day. She could handle Ella coming first—that was a given—but the way he had walked away so easily, like she was nothing, hurt in ways she hadn't expected.
Work had become Tris's refuge, the one place where she could lose herself in the constant hum of tasks and deadlines. It was easier to stay busy than to let herself think about everything that had gone wrong with Tobias. And then, during all that chaos, Fernando had appeared like a burst of sunshine in the otherwise grey landscape of her life.
Fernando, the new hire at the firm, was impossible to ignore. From the moment he stepped into the office, he brought a kind of energy that made people smile. He had this knack for making everyone around him laugh, whether it was with a perfectly timed joke or a funny story about his husband, Rafael. His humour was effortless, like he was just born to brighten the room, and Tris found herself drawn to that light. His infectious energy had made those long hours a little more bearable. He was constantly cracking jokes, bringing laughter and lightness to the office.
He was quick to joke, with an easy grin that never left his face, even on the worst days. Tris could remember one moment when they were both drowning in paperwork, the stress palpable in the air, and Fernando had looked up with a mischievous smile.
"Why do we do this to ourselves, darling?" he'd asked, leaning back in his chair dramatically. "We're too young to be this tired."
Tris had laughed—really laughed, for the first time in what felt like weeks. It had felt like a breath of fresh air after holding her breath for too long. And that was Fernando's magic: he had a way of pulling her out of her head, of lifting the weight from her shoulders, even if only for a few minutes.
"Tris, darling," Fernando said one evening as they wrapped up their work, giving her a playful grin. "I miss good Italian food. It's been ages since I had a proper prosciutto sandwich or even a decent bowl of pasta."
Tris smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Actually, a new Italian deli just opened up near my place. It's not too far from the office. We could check it out."
Fernando's face lit up with excitement. "You're a lifesaver, Tris! Let's go right now. I need that mozzarella in my life."
Laughing, Tris grabbed her coat, grateful for the company and the distraction. As they left the office, Fernando continued chatting animatedly about his husband, Rafael, and their love for cooking. The late afternoon air was crisp, the sky beginning to dim as they walked toward the deli, and Tris found herself relaxing a little more with each step.
Once they arrived, the warm smell of freshly baked bread greeted them as they stepped inside. Fernando beamed as they perused the shelves, filling their bags with sandwiches, antipasto, and a few bottles of imported olive oil. After making their purchases, they stepped back out into the street, chatting about food, life, and everything in between.
As they approached her apartment building, Fernando was in the middle of telling her about a dinner party he and Rafael were planning. "You have to come over. Rafael is an absolute magician in the kitchen—you'll be begging for seconds before the night is over."
Tris smiled, already feeling her spirits lift. "That sounds amazing. I'd love to."
But just as the words left her mouth, she spotted a figure moving toward them. Her heart dropped into her stomach as she recognized Tobias walking toward them, his expression hard and his jaw set in a way that told her he had heard enough of their conversation to make assumptions. His eyes were locked on her, sharp and cold, as if he were preparing for a fight.
He wasn't running away this time like he had done so many times before. No, he was stalking toward her with purpose, the space between them shrinking fast. Tris felt her breath catch in her throat as she watched him approach, his fists clenched at his sides. His expression darkened, the anger simmering just beneath the surface, and Tris could see that familiar possessiveness flicker in his gaze.
Fernando was still talking, oblivious to the tension in the air. "We can plan for next week! I'll text you the details—"
But before Fernando could finish his sentence, Tobias's voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Who the hell is this?" Tobias demanded, his voice low and cold, his eyes narrowing as they darted between Tris and Fernando. The distance between them vanished in seconds as Tobias came to a stop just a foot away from them, his presence radiating tension.
Tris felt her stomach churn, her grip on the deli bags tightening. Fernando froze, turning slowly to face Tobias, his eyes widening as he realized exactly who was standing in front of him. "Holy shit," Fernando muttered under his breath, wide-eyed. "That's Four."
Tobias didn't even acknowledge Fernando's awe. His gaze locked on Tris, the intensity of it making her pulse quicken. "Are you seeing him now?" Tobias growled, his voice low and accusatory.
For a moment, Tris didn't breathe. Was he seriously doing this? After weeks of silence, after throwing her away like she meant nothing, now he wanted to show up and make demands? She felt anger flare inside her, quick and blinding.
Fernando clearly didn't understand the weight of the tension simmering between her and Tobias. "Uh... do you know him?" Fernando asked, his hand resting protectively on Tris's arm.
But Tobias didn't even look at him. His eyes darkened at the sight of Fernando's touch, something primal flickering there. He took another step toward them, his posture taut, possessive.
"Answer me, Tris," Tobias said, his voice dropping into something almost dangerous. "Are you seeing him now?"
Her blood boiled. Who the hell did he think he was? She yanked her arm out of Fernando's gentle grasp, stepping forward to meet Tobias head-on
"That's none of your business, Four," she snapped, spitting out his name with venom. If he wanted to act like a stranger, then fine. She wasn't going to make this easy for him.
Tobias flinched, but he didn't back down. His gaze bore into her, searching for something—what, she didn't know, and she didn't care. His fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight as if he was fighting the urge to grab her and shake some sense into her.
Fernando cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. "Uh, Tris? Maybe we should—"
Tobias's focus shifted briefly, his eyes narrowing at Fernando like he was the enemy. "If you know what's good for you," he growled, his voice dangerously low, "you'll stay away from her."
Fernando blinked, looking between Tris and Tobias, unsure whether to laugh or back away. "Uh, Tris?" he said softly, completely thrown off by Tobias's aggressive stance.
But before he could say anything else, without thinking, she stepped in front of Fernando, Tris's hand flew up, her palm connecting with Tobias's cheek in a loud, resounding slap. The sound echoed in the stillness of the street, and Tobias's head jerked to the side, shock flickering across his face.
"How dare you," she hissed, her voice trembling with fury. "You don't get to come back here, act like you care, and try to control me. Not after you treated me like I was nothing."
Tobias stared at her, his hand going to his cheek as if he couldn't believe she'd actually hit him. His expression was torn between disbelief and something close to regret, but she didn't care. The anger had been boiling inside her for weeks, and now it was bubbling over.
"You made your choice. So don't come back here acting like I owe you anything." she said, her voice shaking but firm.
Tobias flinched, the weight of her words clearly sinking in. He looked... lost. But she didn't care. Not anymore.
Tobias flinched at her words, the anger in his eyes dimming as the truth of what she had said hit him. He stood there, stunned, his jaw tight but unable to defend his ridiculous behaviour. Tris felt the fury rising inside of her, a part of her was happy that he was getting jealous: he had made her feel like he didn't care but seeing her with someone else obviously hurt him, so without thinking she said the thing that knew would hurt him.
"You walked away, Four, so don't act like I'm in the wrong for moving on"
Fernando, his eyes wide and unsure, cleared his throat again. "Uh, Tris, maybe we should—"
"Let's go," Tris snapped, not even looking back at Tobias as she turned on her heel and marched toward the building, her hand gripping Fernando's arm as they walked away. Not even bothering to look back at Tobias as she left.
Tris needed space. The altercation with Tobias had drained her in ways she hadn't expected. She'd held it together in the moment—empowered even by slapping him across the face, standing up for herself. But afterward, the weight of it all had come crashing down. It wasn't just anger she felt. It was hurt. Confusion. A heartache she couldn't quite shake, no matter how justified she felt in her actions.
So, she decided to take a few days off work. She needed distance—from the office, from Tobias, from everything. The idea of the lake house had crept into her mind during one of those restless nights when sleep refused to come. It had always been a sanctuary for her, a place of peace and healing. The thought of escaping there for a few days felt like the only way to clear her head.
She texted Tori, letting her know she needed a mental health break and that she wouldn't be in for the rest of the week. Tori, understanding as ever, had been supportive, telling her to take all the time she needed.
The long drive to her grandmother's house had given Tris too much time to think. The house stood tall and proud, overlooking the lake with its peaceful, almost serene presence, as if mocking the chaos inside her. Bailey, sat in the passenger seat, his head resting on her lap, clearly sensing her distress.
She parked the car and sighed, staring at the familiar house. This was supposed to be her sanctuary, but her mind felt anything but at ease. After the altercation with Tobias outside her apartment, everything had unravelled. The slap had felt empowering in the moment, but afterward, it left her hollow. She hadn't been able to keep it all bottled up, and Fernando, with his always-inquisitive nature, had guessed something was going on. Confessing to him that she and Four had been seeing each other, then broken up, felt like admitting defeat.
Fernando, bless his heart, had promised not to breathe a word of it to anyone. His playful demeanour had softened when she'd told him, and he'd become a quiet support in those difficult days that followed.
"Don't worry, darling. My lips are sealed," Fernando had said, giving her a comforting hug after they returned to the office. "Men like him—famous or not—are just so… ugh. I'd slap him again if I were you."
Tris had laughed at the time, but even then, it was a laugh tinged with sadness. Fernando had seen right through her bravado. Behind the empowerment of standing up to Tobias was a deeply fractured heart. Tris wasn't sure what she'd do if she ran into Tobias again. She needed space to think, to breathe.
The door creaked as Tris entered the house, the familiar scent of lavender and fresh tea welcoming her. Bailey darted ahead, making himself comfortable by the fireplace, while Tris lingered by the door, feeling the weight of her decision to come here.
"Tris, darling," her grandmother called from the kitchen. The soft clinking of porcelain echoed as Elizabeth, ever the gracious host, set out tea for them.
Tris followed the sound of her voice, finding her grandmother sitting in her cozy nook, knitting by the window with the teapot steaming beside her. "You look like you've been through hell," Elizabeth observed, a soft smile on her face, though her eyes held a hint of concern.
"Yeah," Tris muttered, forcing a smile as she hung her coat on the back of a chair. "Just needed to get away for a bit."
Elizabeth poured the tea, the rich, fragrant blend that always brought Tris comfort, filling the room. It was their go-to on hard days. "Well, you're in the right place for a break," Elizabeth said, sliding a cup toward her. "Sit, rest. You've been quiet lately. What's really going on?"
Tris sat down, her hands warming around the cup. She stared at the steam swirling upward, dancing around the words she was struggling to say. "It's… nothing," she lied, stirring her tea aimlessly. She wasn't sure how to start, how to admit the truth that was clawing at her chest.
"Tris," her grandmother said gently, setting her knitting aside. "Come on now. You've been off for weeks. I can tell something's wrong. Spill."
Tris sighed, feeling her resolve start to crack. "Work's been overwhelming, and I've just been keeping my head down."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, not buying it for a second. "Mmm, and that handsome neighbour of yours? How's he been?"
At the mention of Tobias, Tris couldn't hold it in any longer. The fragile wall she'd built to keep her emotions in check crumbled, and before she could stop herself, the tears flowed freely. She broke, sobbing into her grandmother's arms.
Elizabeth immediately wrapped her in a tight embrace, her knitting long forgotten. "Oh, honey... what happened?"
Tris shook her head, her voice muffled against her grandmother's shoulder. "He... he broke up with me."
Her grandmother's face softened, pulling back slightly to look at her. "What? Why?"
Tris bit her lip, the tears she'd held back for days spilling over. "He said he couldn't handle being distracted by me," she admitted, her voice cracking as she wiped her face. "I didn't even understand it. One minute we were fine—we were close. Really close. And then the next, he just... ended things."
Elizabeth frowned, reaching across the table to take Tris's hand. "Distracted by you? That doesn't make any sense."
Tris let out a bitter laugh, her voice trembling with frustration. "I know, right? He didn't explain much, just said that after we were together one night, Ella had a nightmare, and he'd forgotten the baby monitor. And the next moment… he just... ended it."
Her grandmother's brow furrowed deeper, her grip on Tris's hand tightening. "And that was it? Just like that?"
Tris nodded, still shaking her head in disbelief. "Just like that."
Elizabeth's expression softened as understanding settled in. "It sounds like he's trying to do what he thinks is best for his daughter. But it's not easy, is it?"
"No," Tris whispered, her voice barely audible. "I get it, Grandma. I really do. I know Ella has to come first, and I'd never try to change that. But he didn't even give me a chance to talk about it. He just... pushed me away, like we meant nothing."
Her grandmother reached over, patting her hand. "Sweetheart, you have every right to feel hurt. Four is a father, and that's his priority, but that doesn't mean he has to push you out completely. Maybe he doesn't know how to juggle it all yet."
"I tried talking to him," Tris said, her frustration clear in her voice. "But he won't even look at me. He's completely avoiding me, Grandma. It's like he's shut me out, and I don't understand why."
Elizabeth sighed, her eyes filled with sympathy. "He probably thinks he's protecting you too. Men... they don't like feeling vulnerable. But pushing you away doesn't make it right."
Tris slumped back in her chair, exhaustion from the emotional turmoil overtaking her. "The other day, I ran into him outside my apartment. I was with Fernando, and Tobias just... lost it. He was so jealous, like I was cheating on him or something."
Elizabeth's brow furrowed again. "Jealous? But he's the one who ended things."
"I know!" Tris threw up her hands in frustration. "He got all aggressive and hostile toward Fernando. So... I slapped him."
Her grandmother's eyes widened in surprise, but her lips quirked into a smile. "You slapped him?"
"Yeah," Tris muttered. "It felt good at the time, but afterward... I just felt empty."
Elizabeth chuckled softly before growing serious again. "Sweetheart, men are complicated creatures. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart. He's probably hurting too, but instead of dealing with it, he's pushing you away."
Tris nodded, her throat tight with unshed tears. "I just don't understand why he's making everything so much harder than it has to be."
Elizabeth took Tris's hand again, her touch gentle and reassuring. "He's scared, darling. But that doesn't mean you should wait around for him to figure it out. If he can't see how much you care, then that's on him."
Tris swallowed the lump in her throat, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if he never comes around? What if this is really over?"
Elizabeth's eyes softened as she squeezed Tris's hand. "Then you'll get through it. You've always been strong, and if Tobias can't see that, well, that's his loss."
Bailey, sensing the tension, padded over and rested his head on her knee. Tris stroked his soft fur, her heart aching with the weight of it all. "I just miss him, Grandma. Even after everything, I miss him."
"I know you do, honey," Elizabeth said softly, pulling her into another warm embrace. "It'll get easier, love. It always does."
And for the first time in days, Tris let herself believe, even just a little, that maybe her grandmother was right.
The past couple of weeks had been absolute hell for Tobias, worse than anything he could have imagined. He had ended things with Tris to focus on Ella, to be the father he needed to be, but now it felt like everything in his life was falling apart, piece by piece. The weight of guilt and frustration pressed on him day after day, suffocating him. His intentions had been clear—Ella came first—but the reality of what he had done hit him like a freight train. The ache of missing Tris gnawed at him constantly, like a wound that refused to heal.
Every morning he woke up with the same heaviness in his chest, like he was trapped beneath a cloud that wouldn't lift. His temper was shorter than ever. The smallest things set him off—someone speaking too loudly, an email that didn't come in on time, even the way his coffee wasn't hot enough. It didn't take long for his bandmates to notice. He snapped at them more than once, and each time, their worried glances only reminded him of how much of a mess he had become.
And then there was the studio. The pressure was unrelenting. Deadlines loomed like storm clouds, threatening to drown them. The label was breathing down their necks, demanding the final touches on their new album, but Tobias wasn't there. Mentally, creatively—he was drained. The music that once flowed through him, that used to come so naturally, now felt distant, unreachable. He would sit there for hours, guitar in hand, fingers strumming aimlessly, but nothing stuck. No rhythm, no melody. Just silence. The creative well had dried up, leaving him frustrated and hollow, and it showed in every track they tried to lay down.
The band wanted to take their time, to create something real, something meaningful. But the studio didn't care. All they saw were deadlines and dollar signs. Tobias hated it. The pressure to churn out music on a tight schedule felt like it was squeezing the life out of the process, and the joy he once felt making music had been replaced with dread. He wasn't used to this kind of creative block. Music was his escape, his therapy, but now it felt like a job he was failing at. The weight of expectations grew heavier by the day, and he felt himself crumbling under it all.
As if that wasn't enough, the paparazzi had started showing up at the studio. Every time he left, there they were—cameras flashing, microphones shoved in his face, questions he didn't want to answer bombarding him. They somehow knew where they were recording, and it pissed him off. The studio was supposed to be their sanctuary, a place where they could work in peace, but now it was just another source of stress. He had no idea how the vultures had found the location, but it made him paranoid. Every step he took, every time he left the studio, he felt like he was being watched and it was driving him mad.
Inside the studio, things weren't much better. They were supposed to be recording, laying down tracks for their new album, but Tobias was struggling to focus. His thoughts kept drifting, and every time he picked up his guitar, his fingers felt stiff, clumsy. The music wasn't flowing like it used to, and the frustration gnawed at him with every passing minute.
Uriah, ever the joker, kept trying to lighten the mood, tossing out jokes and sarcastic comments between takes. Usually, it helped cut through the tension, but today, it grated on Tobias's last nerve.
"Hey, Four," Uriah called from across the room, spinning on his stool. "Maybe we should name this album 'Silent Strings'—since, you know, you haven't played a damn thing all day."
Zeke chuckled, but Tobias didn't even crack a smile. He gripped his guitar harder, his jaw clenched so tight it hurt. He wasn't in the mood for jokes. Not today.
Uriah, oblivious, kept going. "Or how about 'Angry Mute'? Got a nice ring to it."
Tobias snapped. "Shut the hell up, Uriah!" The words came out harsher than he intended, but he didn't care. The anger that had been simmering beneath the surface all morning boiled over, and it felt like he was seconds away from throwing his guitar across the room.
Uriah blinked, stunned by the sudden outburst. "Whoa, man, it's just a joke. Chill."
"Just a joke?" Tobias growled, standing up so fast his chair screeched across the floor. "You think this is funny? Because I sure as hell don't."
The room fell into an awkward silence, the tension thick and heavy. Uriah held his hands up in surrender, his usual easygoing grin wiped from his face. "Alright, alright, my bad."
But it was too late. Tobias could feel the anger coursing through him, uncontrollable. His hands shook, his breath ragged. The frustration of the past few weeks, the pressure from the label, the guilt over Tris—it all came crashing down at once.
Zeke stood up from his seat, exchanging a quick glance with the others before walking over to Tobias, his expression serious. "Hey, let's take a break," Zeke said, clapping a hand on Tobias's shoulder and steering him toward the door. "Come on. We need to talk."
Tobias didn't resist. He let Zeke guide him out of the recording booth and into one of the smaller side rooms, away from the others. Once the door closed behind them, Zeke turned to face him, crossing his arms.
"Alright, man. What the hell is going on?" Zeke's voice was steady, but the concern in his eyes was clear. "You've been on edge for weeks. Snapping at everyone, barely talking. This isn't like you."
Tobias ran his hands through his hair, trying to steady his breathing. "I'm fine," he muttered, though even he didn't believe it.
Zeke wasn't buying it either. "Bullshit. Something's up. You're not fine, Four. You're a mess. And I get it—there's a lot going on. The label's breathing down our necks, the paparazzi won't leave us alone. But this?" He gestured toward the door. "This isn't you."
Tobias swallowed the lump in his throat. The walls were closing in, and he couldn't take it. Zeke's words barely registered as he tried to push down the overwhelming guilt and frustration that had been eating at him for days.
"You need to take a day off," Zeke continued, his voice a little gentler now. "Go clear your head. See Tris. It might help."
The mention of her name hit Tobias like a punch to the gut. He could barely keep his emotions in check. "We're not together anymore," he said flatly, the weight of those words crashing down like a tidal wave.
Zeke's face shifted to one of disbelief, sympathy evident in his eyes. "I'm so sorry, dude. I knew you really cared about her. But I'm sure you can win her back."
"No," Tobias replied, bitterness rising in his throat. "I ended it."
Zeke's expression shifted from surprise to concern. "You ended it? Are you an idiot? Why the hell would you do that?"
Tobias felt something snap inside him. "I don't want to talk about it," he shot back, his tone sharp and cold. The weight of everything he'd been holding in seemed to crash down at once, and the anger in his voice was almost too much to control.
Zeke took a step back, his face creased with concern. "Look, mate, I'm sorry about Tris, but are you sure you can't fix this? You just need to—"
The thought of Tris with someone else twisted painfully in his gut, cutting deeper than any physical wound ever could. The image of her smiling, standing close to another man, her laugh ringing out like it used to with him... it nearly knocked the breath out of him. It was unbearable, a vision he couldn't shake no matter how hard he tried. His jealousy flared, white-hot, and he couldn't hide it. "Just stop," Tobias snapped, the tension in his voice thick enough to cut through.
The silence that followed was heavy, but inside, Tobias was a mess. Every time he thought of Tris, the ache in his chest grew stronger. He missed her more than he could put into words. Since she'd come into his life, everything had changed—for the better, and now, without her, it felt like everything was falling apart. The worst part? He hadn't even realised just how much she meant to him until she was gone.
He missed everything about her. The little things, like the way her face would flush with the softest shade of red when he whispered something in her ear. She always tried to hide it, but he saw it every time, that shy smile she gave him when he called her beautiful or teased her for wearing his hoodie. She was so easy to fluster, and it had become one of his favourite things about her—the way she was tough in every other part of her life, but a simple compliment from him could turn her into a blushing mess.
And her laugh. God, he missed that. Especially when they were in the car, driving with the windows down. She'd sing along to the radio, never getting the lyrics quite right, but she didn't care. She'd just belt out the wrong words, dancing in her seat, and it always made him laugh. Those were the moments when he felt like everything was right in the world—just them, the music, the open road. No pressure, no band, no worries about being a father who constantly felt like he was failing.
Then there was the way she was with Ella. Tris had slotted into their lives so naturally, it was like she had always been part of their little family. She'd comfort Ella with such ease, settling her down with a few quiet words when she was upset, or distracting her with a game when Tobias was too stressed to think straight. Ella adored her, and it terrified Tobias how quickly his daughter had fallen for Tris. But deep down, he understood it, because he'd fallen for her just as hard.
He hadn't even realised how much of an impact Tris had on his life until she wasn't there anymore. It was like a light had gone out, leaving everything in shadows. She'd brought a warmth and a sense of calm that he hadn't known he needed.
Even Bailey. Tobias had never been much of a pet person—he hadn't grown up with animals, and the idea of having a dog never really appealed to him. But Bailey had wormed his way into his heart just like Tris had. The furry little troublemaker had a way of making him smile, whether it was by wagging his tail madly when he saw Tobias or curling up at his feet when he and Tris were watching a film. The apartment felt emptier without that silly dog padding around, and Tobias couldn't believe he actually missed Bailey.
It wasn't just the moments they shared as a couple, though he missed those desperately—the nights curled up on the sofa, the mornings when they'd wake up with her tangled in his sheets, a sleepy smile on her face. He missed the way she saw him, not as the rock star or the father trying to hold everything together, but as just... Tobias. She understood him in a way no one else did, and losing that... losing her... it felt like he'd lost a piece of himself.
But the worst part, the part that tore at him the most, was how much he'd hurt her. That slap outside her building still echoed in his mind, over and over. He had deserved it—hell, he probably deserved worse—but the fact that she'd had to do it, that he'd driven her to that point, it haunted him. The look in her eyes when she told him she was moving on—that gutted him. He could see the pain he'd caused her, and he hated himself for it. . The realization hit him hard; even if he wanted to win her back, he wasn't sure if she would even let him.
As he stood there, wrestling with his emotions, it became clear that he was losing not just Tris, but a part of himself. The darkness loomed larger, and he felt utterly trapped in a cycle of pain and regret, haunted by the thought of what could have been. He missed her, terribly so
Zeke's voice broke through his thoughts, firm yet compassionate. "Tobias, you really need to get a break. This isn't good for anyone—especially not you. You can't keep going on like this."
Tobias nodded slowly, the weight of his friend's words sinking in. He knew he had been out of control, maybe he just needed a couple of days at home with Ella.
At home, things weren't any better. Ella had been nothing but angry with him since the breakup. Every day was a battle, filled with tantrums that seemed to erupt over the smallest things. She would whine and cry for Tris, her little face scrunching up in frustration whenever she didn't get her way. "I want Tris!" she would scream, her tiny fists pounding the floor as if the force of her anger could somehow summon her friend back. She wanted everything the way tris used to do.
She refused to listen to him, throwing fits when he tried to distract her with toys or stories. "I want to see Tris!" she would shout, her voice piercing through the silence, and it cut Tobias deeply each time. She didn't understand why Tris was gone or why her friend wasn't coming around anymore, and he had no idea how to explain it to her in a way that made sense.
Ella wasn't taking it well at all. She'd been fussy and irritable, and no matter how hard Tobias tried, he couldn't seem to do anything right. Every morning was a struggle—getting her dressed, making breakfast, even something as simple as doing her hair had turned into a daily battle.
"Ow! You're doing it wrong!" Ella yelled as Tobias struggled to pull her curls into the little ponytail she always liked.
He let out a breath, trying to stay calm. "Hold still, sweetheart. I'm trying."
"I don't want you to do it! I want Tris!" Ella yanked her head away, her small fists clenching in frustration.
Tobias's chest tightened painfully. The mere mention of Tris's name was like a knife to the gut, and Ella didn't understand why she was gone. She didn't know how much Tobias had messed everything up. He felt like a failure—not just as a partner, but as a father. The weight of his decisions bore down on him like a heavy anchor, dragging him deeper into despair.
"Tris isn't coming, sweetheart," he said softly, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Why?" she demanded, her eyes filling with angry tears.
"Because she is upset with Daddy," he admitted, guilt choking him.
Anger filled the toddler. "She was my friend first! You're stupid!"
Her words hit him like a punch to the stomach. She wasn't wrong. Tobias knelt down to her level, trying to soothe her, but the guilt was overwhelming. He had done this—he had taken Tris away, not just from himself, but from Ella too. And now his daughter was suffering for it.
"Ella, I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice thick. "But daddy's here."
But Ella wasn't listening. She stomped her foot, crossing her arms in frustration. "I want Tris!"
Tobias stood up, running a hand through his hair, his frustration and guilt building inside him. He didn't know what to do anymore. Every decision he made seemed to backfire, and it was tearing him apart to see Ella so upset.
Tobias sat back in his chair, his chest tight. He was losing control—of everything. Ella's anger, her outbursts, her refusal to understand why Tris wasn't there anymore. It felt like everything was spiralling, and it was all his fault. His own daughter was mad at him, and it killed him. She wanted Tris—she missed Tris. And, honestly, so did he. More than he could ever admit out loud. But he didn't know how to fix it. He didn't know if he could fix it. He had been so focused on protecting Ella that he had ended up hurting her more than he ever could have imagined.
The breaking point came on Wednesday morning. He had a critical meeting with the record label today, one that could dictate the future of the band. They wanted to discuss tours and a new album, but the band had collectively decided that they wouldn't be doing any tours anymore. It was a decision they all felt strongly about, but it would be the first time the record label would hear about it, and he knew they wouldn't take the news well. He had arranged for Ella's babysitter to come early, but she never showed up. His phone calls went unanswered, and as the minutes ticked by, the panic in Tobias's chest grew.
He couldn't bring Ella to the meeting. There was no way she could sit through something like that. He tried reaching out to friends, but everyone was either busy or unavailable. There was no time left.
Which left him with one, final, desperate option: Tris.
The very thought of going to her, of asking her for help after the way he had treated her, filled him with a mix of guilt and dread. But he had no other choice. He couldn't let the band down, and more importantly, he couldn't let Ella down by dragging her to something so chaotic.
With his heart pounding, Tobias left Ella in the apartment, telling her he'd be right back, and made his way across the hall. The walk to Tris's door felt agonizingly long, each step weighted with the burden of the hurt he had caused. He hadn't spoken to her since that night, and he wasn't even sure if she'd answer, let alone agree to help him.
When he knocked, he half-hoped that no one would be home. But then the door swung open, and there stood Elizabeth, Tris's grandmother, looking mildly surprised to see him. Tobias swallowed; his throat dry as he fought to find the right words.
"Is Tris here?" he managed to ask, his voice rough.
Elizabeth looked at him curiously, her eyes scanning his face for a moment before she nodded and stepped aside. "She's in the living room. I'll get her for you."
Tobias stood frozen, his mind racing as he waited. When Tris appeared in the doorway, the air in the room seemed to shift. She looked different. Harder. There was no light in her eyes, no warmth in her expression. She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at him as if he were a stranger.
"Four," she said, her tone cold and clipped. "What do you want?"
Her hostility hit him like a punch to the gut. He had expected it—of course, he had—but seeing her like this, so closed off and guarded, made his chest tighten painfully. He had done this to her. He had turned her into someone he barely recognized, and he hated himself for it.
"I... I need a favour," he said, feeling ridiculous and small even as the words left his mouth.
Tris raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "A favour?" she repeated, her voice thick with disbelief. "Are you serious?"
He swallowed hard, nodding despite the knot in his throat. "The babysitter didn't show up. I have a meeting, and I don't have anyone else to watch Ella."
There was a long, heavy pause as Tris stared at him, her arms still crossed tightly over her chest. Her eyes were cold, distant, and for the first time since he had met her, Tobias felt truly helpless.
"You want me to watch Ella," she said flatly, her words more a statement than a question.
Tobias nodded again, guilt settling like a lead weight in his stomach. "Yeah."
Tris glanced away, clearly weighing her options, and Tobias could see the anger simmering just beneath the surface. He braced himself for her to say no, for her to slam the door in his face and tell him to deal with the mess he had created on his own.
The silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable. Tobias could see the conflict in her eyes, the way she seemed to war with herself. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she sighed.
"I'll never say no to Ella, but this is for her," Tris said, her voice soft but firm. "Not for you."
Tobias's heart ached at the words, and for a moment, he almost regretted asking. He glanced over at Elizabeth, who was pretending to focus on unpacking the groceries but was clearly listening in. "Are you sure?" he asked, feeling the weight of his request more heavily now. "I mean... I know you have plans with your grandmother, and I don't want to ruin—"
Elizabeth waved her hand dismissively, stepping in with a gentle smile. "It's no problem at all, Four Ella can tag along with us. We'll make a fun day of it." She winked at Tris. "It'll be nice to have some company."
Tobias felt a surge of gratitude but also guilt. He didn't deserve their kindness after how he had behaved. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice strained. "I really appreciate it."
Tris nodded but said nothing, still looking like she was holding back the storm of emotions inside her. Her eyes flickered with something—hurt, anger—but she pushed it aside for Ella's sake.
Tobias felt his throat tighten, the guilt clawing at him as he stood there awkwardly. "I'll go get her," he said quickly, needing to leave before the weight of the situation became too much. "I'll be right back."
He hurried back to his apartment, his mind racing. Ella was sitting on the floor, colouring in one of her books, but she looked up the moment Tobias walked in. "Daddy, where's Tris?" she asked, her voice hopeful.
Tobias crouched down beside her, trying to keep his voice steady. "You're going to see her today. You'll get to spend some time with her."
Ella's face lit up, and Tobias felt his chest tighten as she immediately jumped up, running to grab her shoes. The excitement in her eyes was almost painful to see. She missed Tris just as much as he did—probably more, or just in a different way.
A few minutes later, they were standing outside Tris's apartment again, and Ella could barely contain her excitement. As soon as the door opened, she darted inside, rushing toward Tris with open arms.
"Tris!" she cried, throwing herself into her arms. "I missed you, Tris!"
Tris caught her, hugging her tightly as she smiled down at the little girl. "I missed you too, sweetheart." She sighed "So much… "as she held the toddler and stroking her hair.
Tobias stood frozen in the doorway, watching as Tris knelt down to hug Ella tightly, her face softening for the first time in what felt like forever.
The sight of them together, so natural and happy… It was obvious that they cared a lot about each other, and it made Tobias's chest ache. He had been wrong to keep them apart. He had been wrong about a lot of things.
And as he watched them, his heart broke a little more, knowing that he had hurt not just one, but the two most important women in his life.
