. He reached up and seized hold of my wrist,

ld you to go home. I will talk to you la

s my eyes began to water. I had to restrain myself. I almost forgot

t at Blake, I turned and walked toward t

vier today. I trudged through the doorway, feeling my heart sink deeper with every step I took. As I rounded the corner

admiration. Although I appreciated his compliment, I felt anything but beautiful. Before I could reply, he inquired about the reason for my ne

apart. I pulled my watery eyes away from him to stare at the floor. He hadn't meant to make eye contact at that mom

and he wanted to help. Speaking softly, he said, "Please, Treasure, tell me what happened to make you feel this way

s vulnerable in front of Blake's brother. Panic set in, and I needed to escape the situation. "I just need a minute," I stammered, making

like this. I felt I had no right to pull him into my sorrow, but I was too far gone. I had been so careful not to let my guard down all these years and to keep our marital problems private, but now I was falling apart. From o

t as I hastily searched for my robe. I hadn't anticipated him following me to my bedroom, but I saw him standing there as soon as I looked

illed the space between us when I opened the door. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, a flicker of wor

and he knew I was hiding the truth. But at that moment, I wanted

anted me to find out about their relationship. After all, why would she throw a celebration at the same restaurant where I was supposed to meet Blake? The pain and disappointment were almost too much to handle; my worst fears seemed to be coming true. De

r, my dreams, my precious time. Does Blake genuinely believe I'm too naïve to uncover the truth? And the connection he shares with her is clear

m. He looked surprised when he opene

the dark?" he said, clic

in peace anymore. How could you disregard,

u; I told you we would

elebration before meetin

t about our date. Loo

you see what is going on? Claire

know you must be joking. What does

ou were meeting me

know. What's that go

ing on here! Please Blake, put my mind at ease and tell m