He cares about me. If you disappear, he’ll forget you exist. Ethan met her eyes. I’m not walking away. Why not? Because I love you. The words came out before he could stop them. Aurora froze. Ethan’s heart hammered in his chest. I know it’s fast. I know it’s insane. I know we’ve only known each other a few weeks and we’re in the middle of a legal nightmare and this is probably the worst possible time to say it, but I don’t care.

I love you and I’m not walking away. Aurora’s breath hitched. A tear slid down her cheek. You’re an idiot, she whispered. So, you keep saying I mean it. You’re the biggest idiot I’ve ever met. I know. and I love you, too. Ethan’s chest tightened. Aurora leaned across the table and kissed him right there in the greasy diner with the burnt coffee and the tired waitress watching from behind the counter.

When they broke apart, Aurora was smiling through her tears. We’re going to lose everything, aren’t we? She said. Probably. And you’re okay with that? Not even a little bit, but I’m doing it anyway. Aurora laughed shakily. Then I guess we’re both idiots. Guess so. They left the diner 20 minutes later.

Aurora drove Ethan back to Silver Creek. Both of them silent. Both of them scared. Both of them refusing to admit it out loud. When they pulled up to Ethan’s house, Mrs. Chen’s car was still in the driveway. Ethan could see Khloe through the kitchen window, sitting at the table with a coloring book. “You want me to come in with you?” Aurora asked. “No, I need to do this alone.

Okay. Ethan started to get out, then stopped. Aurora. Yeah. Thank you for not giving up. Aurora’s eyes softened. Thank you for not letting me. He kissed her once more, then went inside. Chloe looked up when he walked in, her face lighting up. Dad, you’re back. Mrs. Chen stood from the couch, gathering her purse.

Everything okay? Yeah. Thanks for watching her. Anytime. She paused at the door. Ethan, whatever you’re dealing with, be careful. I will. She left. Kloe bounced over, wrapping her arms around Ethan’s waist. Where were you? New York. Why? I had to help Aurora with something. Kloe pulled back, studying his face with those two smart eyes.

Are you in trouble? Ethan knelt down so they were eye level. Maybe. What kind of trouble? The kind where I did something I probably shouldn’t have done because I was trying to protect someone I care about. Khloe’s expression turned serious. Aurora. Yeah. Is she okay? She will be. Are you okay? Ethan’s throat tightened.

I don’t know yet. Kloe threw her arms around his neck, squeezing tight. I don’t want you to go away. I’m not going anywhere. Promise? Ethan held his daughter close, breathing in the smell of her strawberry shampoo, and made a promise he wasn’t sure he could keep. I promise. The next 48 hours felt like drowning in slow motion.

Diane called Sunday night with an update. She’d filed the emergency motion. The judge would review it Monday morning. If approved, Damen’s assets would be frozen pending investigation. If not, Ethan would likely be arrested by Tuesday. “How confident are you?” Ethan asked. 60/40 in our favor. Diane said, “The forgeries are solid, but judges don’t like cases that involve theft, even if the theft was justified.

So, I might go to jail.” You might, or you might walk away clean. It’s a coin flip. Great, Ethan. If this goes sideways, you need to be prepared. Do you have someone who can take Chloe? His chest constricted. My sister in Pennsylvania. Call her. Give her a heads up. I’m not sending Kloe away. You might not have a choice.

Ethan hung up before he said something he’d regret. Aurora came over that night after Kloe went to bed. They sat on Ethan’s porch, not talking, just existing in the same space. The lights across the street at Aurora’s mansion were all on again, blazing like a beacon. “You ever turn those off?” Ethan asked. “No.” “Why not?” “Because the dark scares me.

” Ethan looked at her. Since when? Since Damian locked me in a conference room during a negotiation and turned off the lights to prove a point about control. Aurora’s voice was flat. I had a panic attack. He laughed. Ethan felt rage burn through his chest. I’m going to kill him. Get in line.

They sat in silence again. What happens if you lose tomorrow? Aurora asked quietly. Then I lose. That’s not an answer. It’s the only answer I have. Ethan turned to look at her. What happens if you lose? Then Damian wins. He gets my company, my reputation, everything I built. And you’re okay with that? No, but I’m not okay with you going to jail either.

Aurora’s voice cracked. Maybe I should just give him what he wants. Don’t, Ethan. Don’t you dare give up. Not now. Not after everything. But if you go to jail, then I go to jail. But at least you’ll be free. Aurora started crying. The kind of crying that came from deep in her chest.

Years of holding everything together finally breaking apart. Ethan pulled her close, holding her while she shook. “I’m so tired,” she whispered against his shoulder. “I know. I don’t know how to keep doing this.” “Then don’t do it alone.” Aurora pulled back, her face blotchy and wet. You really love me? Yeah, even though I’m a disaster.

Especially because you’re a disaster. She laughed through her tears. That doesn’t make sense. Nothing about us makes sense, but I don’t care. Aurora kissed him, tasting like salt in desperation. They stayed on the porch until after midnight, holding each other, pretending the rest of the world didn’t exist.

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