Chapter 2

I stared at Vivian. The timidity in her eyes faded, replaced by a smugness she couldn't quite hide.

Adrian probably had no idea that the helpless little rabbit he'd been rescuing had very sharp teeth.

I asked, "What else did he say?"

Vivian pressed her lips together. "I shouldn't have said that."

"Then don't." I moved to close the door.

But Vivian panicked. "Serena, you and Mr. Prescott don't even seem like a married couple anymore."

I stopped.

She seemed to finally have her chance. "He has to watch every word around you. He's afraid you'll pick him apart, afraid you'll lecture him, afraid you'll lawyer him into a corner. But with me, he relaxes. He laughs, he vents, he talks about his problems at work."

I looked at her. "So you think you've won?"

Vivian flushed. "I'm not trying to beat you."

"Then why are you hobbling up here on a crutch in the middle of the night? To lecture me on the law?"

She was stumped.

I pulled out my phone. "Want me to call the police? Trespassing or harassment, your pick."

Vivian's eyes went red instantly.

The elevator doors opened, and Adrian strode out.

He saw Vivian standing at my door and his expression changed immediately.

"Vivi, what are you doing up here?"

Vivian shrank. "I just wanted to explain things for you."

Adrian steadied her, his movements so practiced it stung to watch.

I leaned against the doorframe. "Now that the explaining is done, would you mind taking her away, Mr. Prescott?"

Adrian turned to me. "Serena, her leg hasn't healed. Don't scare her."

"I'm scaring her?"

Vivian lowered her head. "Mr. Prescott, forget it. It's all my fault."

I nearly laughed out loud. Hollywood’s wasting a talent not having her act.

Adrian's voice hardened. "Serena, let's go home and talk."

"This is my home."

"It's my home too."

"Not after tomorrow."

A muscle in his brow twitched. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I held up my phone screen for him to see. The first draft of the divorce papers was already saved.

Adrian's face went ice-cold. "You want a divorce over something this small?"

Something this small. I chewed on those words, then nodded.

Adrian drew a deep breath. "Serena, marriage isn't one of your court cases. It's not black and white."

"I never said it was." I glanced at Vivian. "But you two are looking pretty gray."

Vivian's tears spilled over. "Serena, why do you have to assume the worst about us?"

I asked, "Are you blameless?"

Her crying hitched.

Adrian stepped in front of her. "Enough."

I looked at him.

Six years of marriage, and this was the first time he'd physically shielded another woman behind him.

How novel. And how revolting.

I said, "Adrian, where are you sleeping tonight?"

Adrian said nothing. Vivian tugged at his sleeve. "Mr. Prescott, go back to her. I can manage on my own."

That's what her mouth said. Her hand didn't let go.

Adrian looked at me for a long time. "Serena, you're too upset right now. We'll talk tomorrow."

I nodded. "So you're staying with her tonight?"

He didn't answer. I answered for him. "Fine."

Adrian frowned. "Stop being passive-aggressive."

I turned to go inside. He put his hand on the door. "Serena."

I looked up. "Adrian, getting your hand caught in a door really hurts."

He didn't let go. I shut it anyway. He let out a muffled grunt.

From behind the door came Vivian's gasp. "Mr. Prescott!"

I called through the door, "Sounds like Ms. Hayes isn't in pain anymore. She's got enough energy to shout."

It went quiet outside.

After what felt like a long time, Adrian's voice seeped through the door. "Serena, I'm really tired."

I leaned against the door and said nothing.

He continued, "You're always so sharp. Always so composed. I feel like a criminal in front of you."

I looked down at my hands. My nails had dug into my palms, the pain sharp enough to keep me clearheaded.

Adrian said, "But with her, I'm just Adrian."

I closed my eyes.

So before a man's heart strayed, he needed to find himself an innocent excuse first.

I opened the door. A flicker of hope crossed Adrian's eyes.

Vivian watched me too.

I picked up his car keys from the shoe cabinet and held them out. "Then go be just Adrian."

Adrian didn't take them. I pressed the keys into his hand. "Tomorrow morning at nine. I'll be waiting at the firm."

His voice was very low. "What if I don't show?"

I looked at him. "Then I'll show you that marriage really isn't black and white."

I paused. "But assets can be."