crying. The tears were fake, but the red, puffy eyes were

side, his face a

ey, what'

t," I said, my voi

his eyes. "Ava,

and. "It's okay. I understan

perfect tear roll down my cheek. "You

lief washing over him

y breath. "I bel

my hair. "Oh, Ava. I knew you'd understand.

igid in his arms. The smell

iping my eyes. "

d about

the corner. This is the most critical time for InnovateNext. And now... this. Chloe's

I'll manage.

at your best. You'll be stretched too thin. The board will get ne

idea hang

ck," I said. "L

ome back? But... you haven't

e come back as COO. Chief Operating Officer. I'll handle the day-to-day. I'll steady the

, the forgiving wife, stepping

He couldn't imagine me having any motive other than helping him. He thought

thought he had me. He thought he could have his wife, his

on. "That's... that's a brilliant idea. Yo

Of course

loving smile. Inside, I w

ne was