I Gave My Heart, He Gave Me Humiliation

the Hamptons beach hous

hick with the previ

king coffee, a forced

ouse was qui

ir bedroom, a suitc

ing?" he asked,

n't loo

lothes, her movements p

ng," s

? We're here for

r eyes holding a new,

r you, Ethan. It's re

especially from Ava. They usuall

, Ava. If this is

e said, her voice flat. "But don't

back to h

ment, a flicker of unea

was always emotiona

framed photo fro

ding day, a rare shot where

moment, then walked to the

ting the plastic was loude

narrowed. "Wh

s," Ava said, not looking at h

t photo... it was one of th

tactic, "I was harsh. We can talk about it. I'll... I'll make it up to

icial offering,

e buzzed

t. "Ethan, darling, I need you. The press are h

have to go. Ch

ed for t

d. Her voice wa

patient. "Wha

ming wi

we can't be seen together like that. Especially n

prises. He had an image to mainta

voice. "Shouldn't a wife support her husband when his fami

rate echo of his own t

n. "Fine. But stay in the ca

lmost imperceptible sm

a noticed a small, velvet jew

sn't

" she asked,

r. "It's nothing. A gift

ided h

r Chloe. Another to

s estate, the scene was chao

, his arm around her shoulder,

ss, his voice firm,

m the car, invi

nt a quick telegram to her si

ating. Need lega

but it was a step t

there was

oney in one of Arthur Gold's ruthle

ly, shielding Chloe,

protector.

cold clarity se

an. This was