Lilianna's grip on Ava's arms slackened, her expression clouded with sadness. She took a hesitant step backward, her footing unsteady, and nearly stumbled.
"Lilianna!" Ava gasped, reaching out instinctively to steady her. "Please, don't be upset. Yes, Dylan and I are in the process of getting a divorce, but we still have three months to try and make things work. I promise you, we're giving it our best shot."
Lilianna snapped her head and looked at her, a glimmer of hope cutting through her doubt. "Are you being honest with me?"
Ava nodded earnestly. "Yes. Truly. We're trying, Lilianna. Look," she said, gesturing to the pile of shopping bags resting on the settee. "See those dresses? He picked them out for me. That's how serious he is."