Chapter 2

I went back to my desk, practically steaming from the ears.

I sat down and started working.

"Marizza this, Marizza that" like she's some big deal. "I muttered to myself, not realizing someone was listening."

"Sounds like someone's jealous of Marizza." I whipped around, irritated, but calmed down when I saw it was Blake "Daven's half-brother and my best friend."

Blake and I had been in the same class since kindergarten and all through school. It was thanks to him that I met my husband.

"Go to hell, idiot." I spat, slumping back in my chair. He just laughed and raised both hands in surrender. "I saw the news," he said, lighting a cigarette.

"Figured you did. Did you come to fawn over Marizza too?" I shot back sarcastically, crossing my arms. He smirked, exhaling the smoke in my direction. "Actually, I just wanted to make sure you weren't crying like a loser." He teased, and I punched him.

"You're the loser!" I fired back, and the idiot burst out laughing.

Even when he's being an ass, Blake always knows how to ease my stress — even if it's with the sarcastic jabs he's known for.

"Baby." I stiffened at the sound of that voice. I turned, and there was Daven, arms crossed, jaw clenched tight, as if something had pissed him off. "We're going home," he said. I nodded.

"See you later, Blake." I said goodbye and walked over to my husband.

We left the company and got in the car. The silence was suffocating, and I was dying to confront him, but I wanted to let him explain first.

"What were you talking about with my brother?" He asked as he started driving.

Seriously? There's a photo of you with another woman all over the internet, and you're worried about what I discussed with your brother? Very mature.

"We were talking about Marizza being back," I said. He tensed. "And how you went to pick her up at the airport. While we're at it, you didn't come home to sleep last night. Oh, and I didn't miss the fact that you're not wearing the same clothes as yesterday. So go ahead. Explain. Now."

He frowned, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"It's not what you think, Evangeline."

"Oh, it's not? Because I think it's exactly what I think. Last night you left, you didn't come home, the paparazzi got pictures of you with your ex-girlfriend, and you're NOT WEARING YESTERDAY'S CLOTHES!"

"FINE!" He shouted. "It looks bad, I know. But she called and asked me to pick her up. That's all."

"You're telling me an actress of her caliber can't afford a driver to take her home? How stupid do you think I am, Daven?!" I raised my voice, and he sighed in frustration.

"I was only picking her up so no one would find out she was back in London. I don't know what happened or who tipped off the press, but I swear nothing happened between us." Despite his frustration and my doubts, I could see the truth in his eyes and the sincerity behind his words. I sighed and buried my face in my hands.

"That doesn't explain why you didn't come home to sleep, and it doesn't explain why you're wearing different clothes."

"Evangeline." Daven took my hands, pulling them away from my face. His eyes locked onto mine, serious and intense, as if he didn't like me doubting him. "After I dropped her off at her place, I went back to work. I had things to take care of, and that's why I didn't come home. This morning, I had an investor meeting, so I asked James to buy me a new suit." He paused. "If you don't believe me, you can check the company security cameras. I was there all night, baby."

A sigh of relief escaped my lips, and I pressed my face into his neck.

"Even so, I don't like you going to pick up other women. Especially not her. Don't do it again, Daven." I pleaded. He buried his nose in my hair, breathing in my scent.

"I'm sorry I made you doubt me, baby. It won't happen again, I promise." He said it with certainty, and I finally calmed down, seeking comfort in his embrace. He didn't push me away.

"I'm sorry I accused you of something you didn't do. But don't you ever pull something like that again!" I scolded him, and he smiled. "Never again. I promise."

We never brought up Marizza again. The next day, Daven used his connections to have the story scrubbed from the news and made sure our employees stopped gossiping.

I felt relieved, but this peace was only the calm before the storm.

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