The Truth That Broke Us

sband's mistress laughing on a picnic blanket. With her son. Noah. He ran toward Talia, arms flapping, face glowing with joy. Joy Ava hadn't seen in weeks. Talia turned, smiled wide, and lifted him

ching something on her phone, completely at ease. A memory flashed: Noah falling asleep in her arms, calling her Mommy, clutching her shirt like it was his only anchor. Would he remember? Or would he forget Ava the same way Ethan had ? Suddenly, Talia kissed the top of his head. That was it. Ava flung open her car door and stormed across the street. "TALIA!" The name came out like thunder. Talia's head jerked up. Noah looked confused, his smile falling. Talia stood. "Ava" "Noah," Ava said, walking straight toward them, "get in the car. Now." Noah looked up, hesitated, then glanced at Talia. Talia kept her voice calm. "It's okay, sweetie. Go with Mommy. We don't want her upset, right?" Mommy. The word snapped inside Ava. "Don't you ever call yourself that in front of me," she growled. Talia lifted her hands like she was innocent. "I'm not trying to cause a scene." "Oh, honey," Ava said, stepping closer. "You are the scene." She dropped to her knees in front of Noah. "Baby, come on. Let's go home." He shi