The nights with Tony were always bittersweet.

This evening was no different. As Tony closed the door behind him, he gave you a weary smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. The emotional strain was becoming more noticeable, lines of tension etched onto his face.

"Hey," you greeted softly, moving towards him with a warmth that you hoped would ease some of his burden.

He let out a sigh. "Hey," he replied, his voice rough around the edges, as if he hadn't spoken freely in a while.

You settled onto the couch. You felt nervous, knowing that tonight Tony was supposed to tell you his decision. You were his lover—no, you were his true love. But Tony was a married man...

"It’s Morgan," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, and you knew where this was going already. "I can’t be the reason her world falls apart. As much as things between Pepper and I... Well, as much as they aren’t working, I can’t put her through that. She deserves stability, a family. I can't leave.”

He sighed, a shadow of doubt crossing his eyes. "I just wish I could offer you more than this. Meetings in the shadows of the night, secrecy and all that." He looked up at you. "I love you. But I can't... can't do that to Morgan."