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I Don’t Love You Anymore

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Episode 5

...Aziel....

When I got to my parents' house, Aspen was already there.

I knew because I saw Carolina's car parked in front of the house.

I went inside and saw my ex-wife sitting in the living room, with her arms crossed over her chest.

She maintained an unreadable expression on her face.

In front of her were my parents.

Aspen was ignoring them.

I was surprised, she had always been very kind to my family, even when they belittled her and said horrible things to her.

Her eyes landed on mine and, once again, they were empty.

It was as if she couldn't see me anymore.

This made my chest hurt.

I approached them, my parents observed me and relaxed their features.

"Aziel, tell this woman that she can't show up here like she's still your wife." My mother spoke with disdain.

"Right, let her know that you're divorced." My younger brother, Miles, spoke. "Tell her that you're going to marry her sister." My father stated, reminding me of my actions.

I was going to answer but Aspen spoke.

"I came here for my son. And I'm not leaving without him. So, all of you shut your damn mouths." She said with contempt in her voice.

Every time this new Aspen spoke, I froze.

The Aspen I married was sweet, tender, loving. Even when I treated her with hatred and coldness.

She always looked at me the same way, with love.

She smiled at me as if I were the only man in the world.

Those eyes full of love that disgusted me.

That radiant smile that I hated so much.

They're gone now.

There is nothing.

"Where are you, Aspen?"

Where did you go?

Are you mad at me?

Do you hate me?

I wanted to know, for some unknown reason, I needed to hear her explanation.

But, seeing her there, I knew that she didn't have to explain anything.

I did this.

I did this to her, to my wife.

I treated her like trash, I belittled her, I treated her as if she were the worst person in the world.

I had so much hatred in my heart for Aspen, that I didn't realize what my attitude was doing to her.

Maybe I didn't notice it because, despite everything, she always came back to me; loving me, adoring the ground I walked on.

But now, seeing the one who was once my wife.

Seeing her so distant, cold, withdrawn... It makes me wonder, what kind of man am I?.

When I found out that Dakota had returned, not even a day passed and I asked Aspen for a divorce.

When I got divorced, not even a week passed and I was already celebrating my new engagement.

While Aspen was alone.

Alone without even being able to express her pain, since she had no one by her side.

I approached her.

"Aspen, I..."

"Mommy!" My son's voice interrupted me, I turned around and could see his face full of horror at his mother's injuries.

Calen ran into his mother's arms, while tears began to spring from his eyes.

"W-What happened to you, Mommy?" Calen blurted out, in a choked sob.

Aspen took our son in her arms, caressing him while he hid in her chest, seeking comfort.

"Shh... Calm down, love, Mommy is okay." I watched as she began to caress our son's hair gently.

"D-Does it hurt?" The boy spoke, with a trembling voice.

She gently wiped away his tears, while resting her forehead on our son's.

"It doesn't hurt at all. Mommy is super strong." She gave him a sweet and genuine smile.

The sight made my heart ache.

That smile, the same smile she gave me, now only exists for our son.

"W-What happened, Mommy? Y-You said you were going to your family's house. Why do you have so many injuries?" He began to cry again.

I saw Aspen hold our son's face in her hands.

"It was a mistake, Calen." She began. "I want you to have this very clear, Mommy doesn't have a family. She doesn't have grandparents, she doesn't have parents, she doesn't have siblings." She stated. "My only family is you." She pointed out, kissing Calen's forehead. "It was always you, and your aunt Carolina, nobody else. Do you understand?"

Calen nodded and hid in his mother's chest again.

He was scared by the news of the accident.

I wanted to approach but, listening to her words, damn it.

I'm not surprised at all.

She doesn't consider me her family.

And, honestly, I can't blame her.

I was a shitty husband.

"Say goodbye to your father, honey. We're going home." She announced, standing up.

My son came to me, and hugged me, saying goodbye.

I wanted to stop her.

Talk to her but, my words got stuck in my throat.

I deserve this.