AFTER THE HEARTBREAK

fortingly on her back. The shadow of uncertainty she had felt last ni

rry," he murmured, brushing a gentle kiss against her forehead. "But it's only because I've been p

g, the unease from her strange dreams fading into the background. "James, yo

rs together-three amazing years." He paused, searching her eyes. "And I know my mom hasn't always

brought a small shiver of memory-her frosty presence at their dinner yesterday. But rig

s they ate. The warmth of last night lingered, filling her with a sense of peace as they went through their usual morning routines

y," he mentioned, adjusting his tie in the hallway mirror. "Some new contracts t

ow with a smile. "You're lucky. I've

rded. "Well, it's just work. I'll be in and out

ent tugged at her. "Be safe, okay? Paris or no

ready for her own day. She looked forward to telling her close friends at work about James's anni

upcoming project was one of the most significant deals he'd taken on since stepping into the CEO role. And i

He was bringing along the legal counsel recommended by his board-a strong-minded attorney with an impressive track record

he trip. He hadn't told Ava about the lawyer or that he'd be traveling with her; he didn't want Ava to worry. After

He remained focused, though every so often his thoughts drifted back to Ava and his surprise plans for their annive

ough ideas for anniversary gifts on her phone as she waited for James to return. A sense of e

a smile, immediately noticing the faint weariness in h

ing his tie as he leaned against the counter.

"I'm proud of you, you know. All the hard wo

t, the world outside disappeared. They stayed like that,

I mentioned," he said finally, breaking the si

ng her head against his chest. "But

all as the fact that his new lawyer would be accompanying him. But he told himself it was for her own peace of mi

fore you know it," he murmure

have to finalize, and the surprise he was planning for their anniversary. Everything seemed to be happening all at o

pectedly alert. He sat up, glancing over at Ava, who was sound asleep beside him. The sight of her pea

ly, preparing for his trip. He kissed Ava goodbye,

cable sense of dread. It was as though some invisibl

. But as he closed it behind him, he couldn't shake the though