to realize Brinley isn't like Milly at all. She's softer, d

nd with that realization, you

sudden intensity before falling again into a wh

Vance asked

ng torn. "She was my first love. When she came back from abroad and reached out,

ey believe the two of you were legally bound?" The disgust was obviou

ng laugh, "Yes, I'm a scumbag. I want Milly's fire, Brinley's gentleness... I

Brinley ever found out about your double li

completely, never questions a thing. Even when she phoned while Mill

Brinley's heart like

e elevator. Each step felt unreal, as tho

for two whole years wa

.

ea how she manage

or, drifted into the kitchen, and b

nd of a key turning in th

sual charm, carrying a f

nd brushed her forehead wi

s into a smile as she

off his suit jacket and sniffed the air.

y turned away to place the bouquet in

nley kept her eyes fixed on

ace down, and every so often he flicked his

ter dinner. "Could you fetch me some medicine

immediately, springing u

upstairs, Brinley

e on, requirin

ay, then their anniversa

message notification flashed across the sc

rds blazed before her eyes, sta

steps began descending. Panicking, she

glass of water. "You don't look we

replied, "I'm fine. By the way... is there something go

e quickly composed himself. "Yes, a projec

e smile, though her heart was breaki

sing to kiss her cheek. "Don't

hut behind him, Brinl

he stubbornly tipped her head b

ick up her phone, her hand trembling, and di

n home... and I'll accept the