Chapter 81: Who fed you this nonsense?

Ava's pulse pounded as she tried once again to wrench her hands free, but his hold was unyielding. The feeling of helplessness fed her anger. "We can't do this," she snapped. "We're divorcing, Dylan. Have you forgotten?"

But her words didn't seem to penetrate his resolve. He had made up his mind to do anything to work on this failing marriage. "Let's not talk about that right now," he whispered as if coaxing her. "Just focus on us, on this. Let go of everything else. Just be here with me."

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, then to her cheek, slowly trailing his lips closer until he was just a breath away from hers.

Ava's stomach twisted, and she turned her face sharply to the side. "I don't want this," she choked out. "Please, stop."

The room filled with a heavy silence, and for a moment, he froze, her words hanging between them like a final line.