"Are you sure you're okay, Preston?" I asked.

His knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel. He was driving more recklessly than usual, but I tried to understand—he was upset.

"Pull over, please."

He glanced at me through the mirror, then pulled into a small park just a few blocks from Shawn's apartment. He turned the car off and looked back at me.

"Can we go for a walk?" I asked.

"You'll be late for dinner with Ms. Heard," he said.

"She'll understand."

We walked for a while until we came across a small park bench. I smiled at him and gestured for him to sit.

He could barely look at me. The last thing I wanted was for him to think he'd done something wrong.

"I'm sorry for how I acted," he said quietly. "When I got the text to come get you, I panicked." He finally looked at me. "I thought he might try to hurt you again."

"Text?" I asked, confused. I didn't remember sending anything.

"Yes, ma'am. Gil called me and said he got a message from Rebbie—that I needed to get back to the restaurant ASAP." He stared out toward the playground where kids laughed and ran freely. "I assumed the worst. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Preston. I'm not upset with you at all." I brushed my hair back from my face. "Can you believe my sisters are trying to convince me to work through this with him?"

He didn't answer, letting me continue.

"They keep comparing it to my mother and father. I try not to question their relationship—there's no doubt they love each other. But I don't think love is what kept her with Joseph. I don't think it's been enough all these years." I paused, choosing my next words carefully. "Mother made a choice and stuck with it. I don't want that." I looked at him. "Do you think he can really change, Preston?"

He gazed into the distance, biting his lip. He stayed quiet until he was ready.

"I did," he said finally.

It hit me then—he had never talked about his personal life before. I knew his wife and daughter; I'd met them plenty of times. But never this.

"I want you to know," he continued, "I've been clean the entire time I've worked for you. I would quit this job before I ever jeopardized your life. But I haven't always been responsible."

He took a breath.

"Cocaine was my drug of choice. I thought it was harmless—just something to party, take the edge off. That's how it started." He stood and faced me. "I love my wife. I always have. Even when I was doing terrible things. Most of it is a blur... except the day I hurt her."

My chest tightened.

"She ended up in the hospital. The doctors and police knew it was me, but she denied everything. Wouldn't press charges." His eyes glassed over. "That was the day we found out she was pregnant with Theodora. That was the day I decided I needed help."

He blinked back tears.

"Theo is my world. So is her mother. But she's never looked at me the same since. So yes—change is possible. But the question is... can you move past everything he's done?"

That was where he left it.

We walked back to the car in silence as the sun began to set. I made sure to text Shawn.

Me: Around the corner. I can't wait to see you, beautiful. I've missed you so much. 💕
Shawn: Missed you too. I can't wait to hear all about your day. ❤️

Shawn's Apartment

The lights were dim, except for the candles glowing on the table. Smiling, I set my purse down.

Footsteps approached. I looked up to see Shawn walking toward me. She smiled and pulled me into an embrace, kissing me softly.

"I've missed you all day," she said, kissing my hand.

"I missed you too." I stroked her curls, taking her in. God, she was beautiful.

"I know you've been out all day, so I ran you a hot bath and laid out a robe. Go relax, then meet me at the table when you're ready."

I cupped her face and kissed her again, standing on my toes, arms around her neck.

"Thank you."

I stepped into the bath and melted into the warmth. My muscles relaxed instantly.

"Mmm... this," I murmured.

There was a soft knock before Shawn stepped inside with champagne. She poured me a glass and handed it over.

"Take your time. I'll keep the food warm."

Afterward, wrapped in the robe, I returned to the kitchen. The apartment smelled incredible. Soft music played. Shawn sat on the counter, smiling when she saw me.

She hopped down, took my hand, and led me to the dining room, pulling out my chair. She disappeared into the kitchen and returned with dinner.

"This is beautiful, Shawn. It looks amazing."

"I had a little direction—but tonight, this is all me." She raised her glass, and we shared a quiet toast.

I lifted my fork, but she stopped me.

"Wait. One more surprise."

A knock sounded at the door.

Confused, I checked the time and walked over, peering through the peephole. Rebbie stood on the other side.

My stomach dropped.

She didn't know about Shawn. About me.

I tightened my robe, inhaled, and opened the door.

"Rebbie? What are you doing here?"

She walked past me without waiting. "Gil told me where you were. I needed to see you—I'm worried." She glanced around. "You seem busy."

"I was about to eat."

"Looks like a romantic dinner," she said coolly. "So Toya was right—you're seeing another man while you're still married?"

"Rebbie, can we talk outside?" I opened the door again.

That's when Shawn emerged from the bedroom, holding a single rose, a card, and a long narrow box.

Rebbie looked at her—then back at me.

"Get your things," she said sharply. "You're coming home with me tonight."

"No. We're not doing this right now."

"I'm not asking, Janet. We have things to discuss. Now get your things. We're leaving."