The Jilted Heiress's San Francisco Escape

eaner, a few more lines around his eyes, but otherwi

private jet at Teterboro, my

back," he said, c

mmense, I just sobb

exciting one. Wedding plans began immediately. The Wyo

as perfect.

te phone, the one he'd used on his "mission," lay on the nightsta

it up. I'd never snooped b

wiped it clean for

wer button. It f

labeled folder, I found a small, undeleted

t. A cold dread started

ssed

. "Chris, mi amor, Leo misses his

ath hi

ng time. "I know, Maria, I know. It's complicated. Just a little longer. Once I handle th

led me that teasingly because of my mother's side

alking about their son's second birt

year

ir

rom my numb fingers and clatt

of the sho

Had a child. Wi

It was a lie. A meticulously crafted, three

e one built on his

back, my

son. Two

lies, while I was counting the days, m

Chris emerged, a towel a

okay, Ava? Y

n I loved. The man who

choked whisper.

for a second. Then it was

local contact. Helped with lo

reathe. I co

k my head,

get out. I

for my pur

He started towards me, concern et

d. "Don't

partment, his confused

street, I leaned against a col

aking so hard I

n picked up on

appened? You s

n my face. "Senato

The betrayal was a physical

. With someone else. The whole

hen, his voice, grim and st

't know. On

nding a car. We'l

Old friends. Their youngest son, Noah... they've been looking for a suit

lliance. My

tor,

A way out. A fresh start. F

of the scandal, of the pityin

A new life. W

different

d like a

raining out of me. "Okay, Senato