From the EpikChat News archive — originally by Mazzi · July 22, 2023. Recovered from the vault.

Once upon a time, there was a couple named Tom and Courtney who were deeply in love. They couldn’t help but express their affection for each other openly, proudly showcasing their relationship to the world. Unfortunately, in her pursuit of love, Courtney, also known as Custard, unintentionally neglected her daughter. She was so consumed by her love for Tom that she failed to prioritize her responsibilities as a mother.

Initially, Tom and Courtney were blissfully happy together. However, as time went on, Tom’s behavior took a turn for the worse. He became excessively controlling and demanded constant attention and care. Courtney, being a caring person, tried her best to show Tom how to be a responsible father figure, hoping he would change for the better. But Tom’s selfishness and immaturity prevented him from stepping up and fulfilling his role.

As a result, poor Courtney found herself feeling lonely and unfulfilled. Little did she realize that the neglect she experienced from Tom mirrored the neglect she unknowingly inflicted upon her own daughter. It was a painful realization for Courtney, as she understood the impact her choices had on her child’s well-being.

One day, while Courtney was sobbing on her bed, a ray of hope appeared. A handsome and intelligent young man named Thomas Shelby entered her life, seemingly sent to rescue her from her despair. It was a strange coincidence that his name was similar to Tom’s, but their personalities couldn’t be more different.

Thomas Shelby saw Courtney’s tears and felt an instant connection. He genuinely wanted to save her from the misery she had endured. Unlike Tom, Thomas possessed the qualities of a responsible and caring partner. He was willing to support Courtney emotionally and be the father figure her daughter desperately needed.

As their story unfolded, Courtney began to realize that not all Toms were the same. Thomas Shelby proved to be a beacon of hope, offering her the love and support she had been yearning for. Together, they embarked on a journey of healing and growth, ensuring that Courtney’s daughter would never experience neglect again.

In the end, Courtney learned a valuable lesson about the importance of balancing love and responsibility. She discovered that true love should never come at the expense of neglecting those who depend on us. With Thomas Shelby by her side, she found the happiness and fulfillment she had always longed for, leaving behind the toxic relationship she once had with Tom.