They had a romantic dinner; but, upon seeing the waiter, the man’s heart stopped beating. It was his ex-wife, the lady he had abandoned, who had no idea of the sacrifices she had made for him to achieve the success he now enjoyed.
Ryan Alden entered the sophisticated chandelier-adorned restaurant with his new girlfriend, Vanessa. He was wearing a meticulously tailored suit, and as she held his arm, her silver dress shimmered under the ambient lighting. “Ryan, this venue is perfect,” Vanessa said, beaming as she led them to their reserved table. Ryan surveyed his surroundings with pride. He could now afford this kind of establishment without hesitation—one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. However, as he sat down, his attention was focused on someone across the room. A server, adorned in a decent beige apron, was quietly walking around the tables, skillfully balancing plates. Her face was slightly turned, but the moment she peeked, Ryan’s breathing stopped for a moment. This couldn’t be happening. “Ryan?” Are you okay? Vanessa asked, observing his sudden inaction. She opened her eyes, forcing a smile. “Actually, just…” I thought I recognized someone familiar.
It was her, though. Anna. His ex-wife. The woman he had divorced five years earlier when he had chosen to pursue greater ambitions—ambitions that had ultimately led to millions, expensive cars, and high-rise apartments. Anna looked thinner now, her hair neatly styled. She didn’t notice or feign ignorance. She placed the plates on the next table, nodded to the guests, and left. Vanessa had discussed her upcoming fashion shoot, unaware of Ryan’s lack of attention. She was thinking. What was his reason for working here? He was expected to be in a more favorable situation. He had always wanted to teach. He was smart. He had potential. When he noticed Anna taking an order from another table, he saw an element in her posture—a subtle weariness, indicative not only of the long move but of years of carrying the burdens of solitude. Then, that night… Ryan excused himself to the bathroom; however, instead of returning to the table, he remained near the kitchen door.
Anna emerged, carrying a tray of glasses. “Anna?” he asked softly. She didn’t move. Slowly, she turned her head. Her eyes widened for a moment before assuming an attitude of polite neutrality. “Ryan.” “You… work here?” “Yes,” he said shortly. “Can I help you with anything?” I was busy. She blinked at his cold tone. I didn’t expect to find you here. I thought you would be teaching at this hour, or— “Life doesn’t always go our way, Ryan,” she said softly, looking into the dining hall. “I have tables to serve.” “Anna, stop.” I don’t know your struggles. He laughed briefly. You don’t know many things. You’re too busy building your empire to recognize what I’ve sacrificed for you. Ryan felt a tightness in his chest. “What do you mean?” But he didn’t answer. He turned and returned to the kitchen, leaving her in the hallway, tormented by a question he hadn’t thought about: What did she give up for him? Ryan returned to his seat, but he couldn’t focus on Vanessa’s words.
His mind replayed what Anna had said: “You don’t know the human condition.” You’re too busy building your empire to recognize what I sacrificed for you. Then, that night, after driving Vanessa home, Ryan couldn’t shake his discomfort. For years, he had convinced himself that his divorce from Anna was mutual—that she wanted an alternative existence. He couldn’t stop thinking about the hardships he’d faced as he pursued success. The next day, Ryan returned to the restaurant alone. Anna was there, hanging up her apron as he entered. He tensed when he saw her. “What do you want, Ryan?” he asked sternly. “I’m just looking for understanding,” he said.
What was your intention yesterday? What did you give up for me? Anna hesitated, her eyes betraying the pain she didn’t want to reveal. “It’s not necessary for you to tell.” It was no longer meaningful. “It’s important to me,” Ryan insisted. “I’m asking you, Anna.” I needed auditory confirmation. For a moment it seemed he was going to leave. However, something in his tone—or perhaps the fatigue of keeping a secret—made him hesitate. He gestured to an unoccupied chair. “You have five minutes.” Ryan sat down, his heart pounding. Anna sighed. “Do you remember your first start?” The effort that had almost failed before it even began? She slowly agreed. “Sure.” I was so deep in debt. I thought I would lose everything. “I hope so,” Anna said softly. “However, I didn’t let that happen.” I sold my grandmother’s house, the only inheritance I owned, and gave you the proceeds. I told you it came from a loan. You didn’t ask any questions.
Ryan felt a pang of sadness run through his body. “Did you give me everything you owned?” “I did,” Anna insisted, her tone unwavering but filled with pain. When expenses piled up, I worked extra shifts and accepted unpleasant positions to ensure you could pursue your pursuits without interruption. I occasionally refused meals to facilitate payment to your suppliers. I put your future before my own. Ryan felt a sensation as if the breath had been forcibly forced from his lungs. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “You’re so sad,” Anna said with a smile. “I am so determined to succeed that I don’t want to be a hindrance to your progress.” With the onset of great financial success, you changed. You stopped coming home. You stopped watching me. One day, you told me that you needed to focus on your future, which didn’t include my presence. Ryan remembered the night he had made those comments. In that moment, he convinced himself that it was for the greater good.
Now it seemed cruel. Anna looked away. “When you leave, I am still responsible for paying your debt because my name is attached to all the obligations.” I didn’t finish my education. I took any job available—cleaning, carrying tables, or any role that would help me make ends meet. Ryan experienced thoracic discomfort. “Anna…” I don’t know. I assure you I don’t know. He let out a low, sad laugh. “Sure, you didn’t.” You were worried about being human now. Ryan held his body forward. “Let me help you this moment.” “Let me fix this.” Anna nodded with a shake of her head. “I don’t want your financial behavior, Ryan.” I want you to understand that what you’ve done has not come without a cost. Someone is funding it—you just don’t recognize it as me. A long silence followed. “Are you despising me?” Ryan asked weakly. Anna hesitated. I hold no grudge against you. I once loved you so much that I held a deep hatred for you. However, I do not trust you. I refuse to go back to the woman who sacrificed everything for a man who did not recognize her. Ryan swallowed.
I did not expect your immediate forgiveness. Can I help ease your burden? “Not out of pity—but out of gratitude.” Anna watched him for a long moment before softly saying, “If that is what you really intend, just do not write a check.” Take meaningful action. Ryan agreed. “Explain your current priorities.” He surveyed the restaurant. “There is a scholarship fund here for employees who wish to continue their education.” I am saving up funds to submit my application. If you really want to help, contribute to that fund—support more than I do. Ryan had a lump in his throat. “I will.” And Anna, I will make sure you have the opportunity you gave me for my sake. Anna offered him a weak, tired smile. Thank you. That’s all I want.