Years Later
Time passed.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
But meaningfully.
Ashborn Group became a pillar of the world.
Lives were saved.
Cities healed.
Technology advanced without chaos.
And through it all—
Alex remained the same.
Calm.
Patient.
Unchanging.
The Truth Comes Out
Eventually, it couldn't be avoided.
Gwen.
Jennifer.
Helen.
Felicia.
Skye.
Veronica.
They learned.
About Alex's wives.
At first—
Shock.
Then—
Pain.
Silence filled the room when the truth surfaced.
"So…" Felicia said slowly, arms crossed, "he's married."
"Not just married," Skye added quietly. "Married."
Veronica said nothing.
Her hands trembled slightly.
Gwen looked down.
"…So what were we, then?"
Jennifer didn't accuse.
But the disappointment in her eyes hurt more than anger ever could.
Helen whispered, "…Were our feelings a mistake?"
Alex listened.
Didn't interrupt.
Didn't defend himself.
Then—
"I won't explain here," he said softly.
"Come with me."
The Mansion
Alex took them to his mansion.
Not a palace.
A home.
Warm light.
Quiet halls.
A place that felt lived in.
And there—
They met them.
Retsu Unohana.
Morgan le Fay.
Scáthach.
Astoria Pendragon.
Grayfia Lucifuge.
Jeanne d'Arc Alter.
Hera.
Aphrodite.
Sif.
Amora.
Lorelei.
Death.
Infinity.
Galacta.
Hela.
Aria.
Bela.
Aisha.
Peggy.
Face to face.
No hostility.
No arrogance.
Only calm curiosity.
Retsu spoke first, gentle as always.
"You care for him."
It wasn't a question.
The women nodded—hesitant, honest.
Morgan stepped forward.
"Then speak. One by one."
And they did.
Why They Loved Him
Gwen spoke of trust.
Jennifer of respect.
Helen of belief in her dreams.
Felicia of freedom.
Skye of safety.
Veronica of quiet understanding.
No one interrupted.
No one mocked.
When they finished—
Aphrodite smiled softly.
"…That's how it started for us too."
Hera nodded.
"He never changes."
Scáthach added, "That is his flaw."
"And his strength," Peggy said quietly.
They watched Alex.
He stood there—
Unmoved.
Unashamed.
Still himself.
Falling Deeper
Alex cooked that night.
For everyone.
Not because he had to.
Because he wanted to.
He served them personally.
Made sure they ate.
Listened when they spoke.
Spoiled them shamelessly.
And despite knowing the truth—
Despite knowing he was already married—
Their feelings didn't fade.
They grew.
Because kindness wasn't an act.
Because care wasn't divided.
Because Alex loved without taking.
Tony Learns the Truth
Tony learned later.
And nearly broke a chair.
"…You're married."
"Yes."
"To—" Tony waved his hand wildly. "—ALL OF THEM?!"
"Yes."
Tony slumped.
"…I'm jealous."
Alex blinked. "Of?"
"Everything."
Tony stared at him.
"Give me tips."
Alex thought for a moment.
Then said calmly:
"Talk to them.
Take them on dates.
Cook for them.
Sometimes feed them.
Spoil them."
Tony frowned.
"…That's it?"
Alex nodded.
"That's it."
Tony leaned back.
"…I hate how simple that sounds."
The Question Left Unanswered
Later—
Tony and Veronica saw Peggy.
Young.
Unchanged.
Out of place in time.
They stared.
"…Aunt Peggy?" Veronica whispered.
Tony swallowed.
"…Alex," Tony said slowly, "who are you?"
Alex looked at them.
Not cold.
Not distant.
Just calm.
"I'll tell you," he said, "in the future."
They nodded.
Trusting him.
As they always had.
And so—
Life continued.
Complicated.
Strange.
Full.
And Alex Ashborn walked forward—
With many hearts beside him.