ths-HE INVITED HIS “BROKE” EX-WIFE TO WATCH HIM MARRY HER BEST FRIEND—BUT SHE ARRIVED ON A PRIVATE JET WITH HIS TWINS, AND THE SECOND HIS OLD BRIEFCASE APPEARED, THE BRIDE …

Don’t stay. It’s just me.

That’s why I’m nervous.

He frowned.

– I don’t understand.

— Because now it’s real. Not just the two of us hiding. Not just secret dinners and private moments. This is real. Diana knows. Soon the children will know. Soon everyone will know.

— And that scares you.

It terrifies me.

He sat down, took her hands in his wine, and took them in his.

Rebecca, look at me.

She looked. Those eyes.

— I’m not him. I know you’re afraid I’ll turn into him. That I’ll leave. That I’ll hurt you. But I won’t. I’m not Garrett.

— You’re saying that now.

I’ll say it every day for the rest of my life if that’s what you need to hear.

She wanted to believe him.

— He also said he loved me. On our wedding day, at our vow renewal, on every anniversary. He always said the right words. And then he left.

Juliano remained silent for a long moment. Then he said something she didn’t expect.

— You don’t have to believe me. Not yet. Trust isn’t given. It’s earned. And I haven’t earned yours yet. But I will. Every single day, one day at a time, until you believe in me.

Her throat tightened.

What if this takes years?

Then it will take years.

What if I’m too broken? What if I can never trust anyone?

— Then we’ll figure it out together. But you’re not broken, Rebecca. You’re hurt. There’s a difference.

The tears came again. She was so tired of crying. He pulled her into his arms, let her cry against his chest. He didn’t try to fix anything. He just held her.

When he finally turned away, he chuckled weakly.

— I’m getting your shirt wet.

I have other shirts.

— This is becoming a pattern. First coffee on your laptop. Now tears on your shirt. I’m destructive.

You are perfect.

I’m not, really.

— For me, it is.

She looked at him. This man, this kind, patient, impossible man.

— You investigated Garrett. You got evidence. You built an entire case without telling me.

He had the good sense to appear embarrassed.

— I did. I’m sorry. I should have asked permission first.

Why didn’t you ask?

— Because I knew you’d tell me not to do it. That you’d say you didn’t want to cause trouble. That you’d protect him even though he didn’t deserve it. So I did it anyway.

That’s quite arrogant.

Yes, it is. Sorry.

Don’t apologize. I’m not angry.