INICIAR SESIÓN(Nash)The balance appears.I refresh the screen to be sure.Available. The divorce lawyer has freed up my personal accounts.Relief races through me. Back to the land of the living.“Finally. I can use my money again.”Across the desk, Jack closes a folder. “Good news.”For weeks, I’ve had to listen to people tell me what I can’t do.Now I can pay someone to deal with Bostwick.Someone whose entire working day can revolve around getting that smug bastard out of my life.Jack stands. “Good. Then we can concentrate on the board.”“It’s Friday night, are you up for a drink?”He shakes his head. “No, family dinner night. Maybe next week.”“You said that last week.”Jack sighs. “Sorry, man, the wife isn’t letting me out of her sight where you’re concerned.”“Never stopped you before.”“It’s different now, Nash. What you did, well… it’ll take some time. Surely you know that.”“I’m getting married again. Surely that’s enough.”“I guess that depends on if you actually change.”“Like I have a
(Ivy)“They’re moving you to a private ward today.”Owen opens his eyes. “Apparently, I’m no longer interesting enough for intensive care.”“That’s excellent news.”“I’m not used to being so helpless. I’m hoping I can start to do more for myself soon.”I pull the chair closer.His voice is stronger, but he still looks exhausted. Even adjusting himself against the pillows takes effort.“Don’t move on my account.”“I’m trying to look less decrepit.”“You do not look decrepit. You’ve had major surgery.”He manages a smile. I take his hand.“How do you feel?”“Frustrated and tired. Everyone keeps telling me how well I’m doing while helping me accomplish things I could do myself last week.”“You’ll get there.”“I know. I’m not particularly good at waiting.”There are papers on the table beside him.I recognize the company letterhead.“Please tell me that’s not work, Owen.”“I asked for an update. But I can’t focus on it.”I keep hold of his hand. “Owen, you’re recovering.”“The company isn
(Ivy)“I can’t forget what Piper did,” Dad says.“You don’t have to.”“She helped destroy your marriage.”“Piper couldn’t have taken Nash anywhere he wasn’t willing to go. There were many before her.” I’m not siding with Piper, but Dad needs to try and let it go.“He was your husband.”“Yes. Which made being faithful his responsibility. I can handle it, Dad. I promise Nash will not get away with it. I will stick up for myself and you have to let me.”“I know.”“Piper made her choices. Nash made his. Neither of them gets to dictate what happens to your marriage now. I don’t want you alone and miserable because of what they did.”He looks toward my garden. “I don’t know whether I can get past it.”“Dad stop making what happened to me your excuse. I can’t deal with people putting their life on hold because of me anymore. Go somewhere with Alexa. Talk about your marriage.”“And you’ll be all right?”“Dad, look at this place. I’m considerably better than all right.”He smiles.“You are you
(Ivy)Dad takes one look at the entrance hall. “Good heavens.”“I know.”“Is there a map?”“I’m considering having some printed.”He laughs and hugs me. “You look well.”“I feel well.”“I saw the live interview with Lola.”“Did I embarrass you?”“Not remotely.”“Even the orderly queue of bachelors?”He laughs.I lead him into the kitchen.Kate greets him warmly. “David, it’s been too long.”“I hear you’re keeping Ivy organized,” he says.“Mary and I are trying.”“You always said you’d run for vice president when you got back home.”Kate gives a small smile. “This suits me for now.”“Any thoughts about going back overseas?” he asks.“Not yet.” She closes her laptop. “I’ll leave you two to catch up.”Dad watches her go.“She seem… tired.”“She hasn’t been herself. But she says she’s fine.”I gather some cold drinks. “Come look at the garden.”“I’ve a feeling I may need a compass.”I smile and head outside to sit at the garden seats.“Wow, Ivy. Wouldn’t your mother have loved this?”“She
(Ivy)“She actually stopped me on my way back to the hospital to tell me how wonderful her life is.”Kate looks up from her laptop. “Piper?”“Who else?”I slide my phone across the kitchen island.Another post. Another collection of comments congratulating her for being chosen.Apparently, helping yourself to somebody else’s husband is an accomplishment now.“She thinks I’m jealous,” I say.“She needs you to be.”“She can think whatever she likes. But she doesn’t get to keep advertising what they did to me as some beautiful love story while insulting everything I’ve worked for.”Kate reads the post.“Right. How motivated are you to bring them crashing back to earth??”“Super motivated.”Her grin spreads. For a moment, she looks like herself again. “Excellent. No backing out on this divorce party then?”I pull my chair closer. “No way. Let’s take that bitch down.”Since moving in, Kate’s taken over my calendar, working with Mary to keep hospital commitments from clashing with everythin
(Piper)“Get my ring in it.”Lacey lowers her phone. “It’s in every shot, don’t worry.”“Make sure it catches the light,” I tell them as I smile widely.I turn my hand beside my champagne flute.Sparkling juice. The restaurant put it in the crystal flute without being asked.They know who I am.Across the table, Simone moves her bag out of the photograph.“Should we toast?”“Yes. Wait until Lacey’s recording,” I instruct.I rest my other hand over my stomach.“Ready?” Lacey asks.“To becoming Mrs. Hawke,” I say as I raise my glass.The girls lift their glasses.“And the wedding of the century,” Simone adds.I laugh and let Lacey finish filming before I reach for her phone.“Send me that. It’s perfect.”***My wedding announcement is already getting shared.The date. A photograph of Nash and me. A little pink heart for our daughter.I’ve chosen the caption carefully.A beautiful career can fill your calendar. A beautiful family fills your life. I know what I’m choosing.“You’re going t







