Chapter 2

Daniel was the one who had called me the second word got out I was coming home. He said he missed me, wanting a fresh start.

Now I knew the truth. He just wanted my talent.

"And if I say no?" I asked.

His expression darkened. "Ava, we're married. Community property. Your design rights are half mine. And be honest, do you really think you can make it in this industry alone?"

He stepped closer, reaching for my face. "Just be good. Focus on design. I'll handle everything else. I'll give you the life you've always wanted."

I swung my hand and slapped his face.

The slap echoed through the room.

Daniel clutched his face, fury blazing in his eyes. "Ava Lane, you're going to regret this."

"I'm not working on your project, and I'm done with this marriage." I grabbed my suitcase. "Tomorrow, I'm finding a lawyer."

"Over my dead body!" Daniel snarled, blocking my way at the door. "You're not leaving me unless I say so!"

I met his eyes with ice-cold calm. "Then I'll see you in court."

I shoved past him and walked out of the place I'd been foolish enough to call home.

Rain whispered over the quiet streets as I hauled my suitcase along.

My phone buzzed with an unknown number.

"Ava, it's me. Caleb Mercer."

Just hearing his voice made my eyes sting.

"Caleb..."

"Hey," he said gently. "Don't cry. Tell me where you are. I'm coming to get you."

Headlights cut through the rain, and then Caleb was there.

When I saw his face, the tears I had been holding back finally spilled over.

"What happened?" He draped his jacket over my shoulders. "Did Daniel hurt you again?"

I wiped my eyes, trying to steady my voice. "How did you know I was back?"

"I've been keeping tabs on you," Caleb said, starting the car. "Let's get you to my place. You need a hot shower and some dry clothes."

His apartment was as clean, calm, and warm as him.

"Take a hot shower. I left clean clothes by the door," he said, handing me a fluffy towel. "We can talk after you've warmed up."

Hot water pounded over me, scalding away the chill and the humiliation.

But Daniel's smug face, Emily's triumph, and that box of condoms with two missing just kept playing on repeat in my head.

I scrubbed until my skin burned.

Wrapped in soft sweats, I padded out to find Caleb in the kitchen.

He stirred a pot on the stove. Even after all these years, he had that same steady presence.

"Caleb, thank you," I whispered.

"Don't be silly," he said, turning around with two mugs of steaming milk. "Now, tell me everything."

So I did. I told him every last sordid detail.

When I finished, his jaw was clenched.

"That bastard," he seethed. "I told you he was no good. I told you not to marry him."

"I know. This was my mistake," I said with a bitter laugh. "A little late for regrets now."

"It's not too late," Caleb said firmly. "You're still young, Ava. You can start over."

I shook my head. "Start over? You heard what he said. He'll never agree to a divorce."

"That's because he doesn't know who he's messing with," Caleb replied with a flicker of something cold and dangerous in his eyes. "Daniel thinks he's a big shot in this town. He has no idea there are bigger sharks in the water."

I gave him a confused look.

"I haven't been sitting idle these past three years," he said with a slight smile. "Now's my chance to help you."

The next morning, I was jolted awake by my phone ringing incessantly.

It was Daniel.

"Ava, listen, I was out of line last night," he said. "Just come home. We can talk this through."

"There's nothing to talk about," I said flatly. "My lawyer is drafting the divorce papers as we speak."

"Don't be so dramatic. We've been together for years. You're going to throw all that away over one little mistake?"

"A little mistake?" I scoffed. "You sleeping with another woman and then trying to exploit my career is a 'little mistake'?"

"I'll deal with Emily," he insisted. "But business is business, and our personal life is separate. Ava, this downtown project is huge for both of us. Are you really going to stand by and watch me fail?"

"Not my problem."

His voice took on a threatening edge. "Have you forgotten? We're married. Spouses support each other. Besides, you have nothing. Who else can you turn to but me?"

Before I could hang up, Caleb took the phone from my hand.

"Daniel Pierce? This is Caleb Mercer, Ava's attorney. The divorce papers will be delivered to your office this afternoon. I suggest you sign it without a fuss."

Daniel sputtered, "Who the hell are you to interfere in our marriage?"

"I'm not just her lawyer. I'm her friend," Caleb said coolly. "A piece of friendly advice—don't fight this. It will be better for everyone if you just cooperate."

Daniel's voice turned shrill. "Friend? Ava! You ran off overseas for three years just to shack up with some other guy?"

I grabbed the phone back. "You have some nerve questioning me when you've been with Emily for three years!"

"That's different! What I had with Emily was just physical! You and this lawyer have an emotional affair! That's real betrayal!"

I was floored by his twisted logic. "Betrayal? Daniel, have you no shame?"

"I am not signing anything! So don't even think about it!"

With that, he slammed the phone down.

Caleb frowned. "He's going to make this difficult."

"So what do we do?" I asked, anxiety tightening my voice.

A cold smile played at Caleb's lips. "Don't worry. I've got this covered. He thinks running a construction company makes him a big man? Let's introduce him to reality."

That afternoon, we showed up at Daniel's company.

"Ms. Lane," the receptionist said, flustered. "You're back?"

"Is Daniel here?" I asked.

"Mr. Pierce's in a meeting. I'll let him know..."

"No need," I cut her off. "I'll just wait in his office."