Adam leaned back against the cool slats of the bench, staring at the restless branches overhead.
The breeze carried a memory he hadn't invited: Ava's laugh, soft and warm like sunlight spilling through kitchen curtains.
He could see her so clearly—bare feet on the grass, a coffee mug in her hand as she teased him for burning pancakes on a Sunday morning.
He almost smiled. Almost.
Then the image flickered, replaced by the sterile white of a hospital room and the unrelenting beep of machines.
His chest tightened.
Would Ava ever walk into this park again? Would she even know him if she woke?
The guilt crept in like an old shadow. He wasn't supposed to find happiness while she lay silent.
Adam rubbed his face and let out a slow breath.
Maybe he didn't deserve another chance. Maybe loving Dawn was…
The thought broke off as a soft voice called his name.
"Adam, please—let's talk," Dawn said softly as she approached.
"There's nothing to talk about," he replied, eyes fixed on the distance.
"I know you're angry, and you have every right to be," she said, voice trembling. "But think about where I was when this started. I didn't know you. I just…needed the money."
"Until today?" His tone was flat.
"No. I told Daphne I couldn't take her money anymore. I wasn't in it for the deal—I love you, Adam."
He finally looked at her. "Then why didn't you tell me?"
"I was scared. I made a mistake, and I'm sorry."
Silence stretched between them, broken only by the rustling trees.
"Talk to me," Dawn whispered.
Adam exhaled, shoulders slumping. "Tara wanted to break us apart. If we let her, we'd be giving her exactly what she wanted."
"Exactly," Dawn said, a small hopeful smile tugging at her lips.
He nodded, took her hand, and together they wandered through the streets of New York, their laughter slowly dissolving the tension. Hours blurred into days, days into months. Their love deepened, so radiant it almost outshone the memory of Ava. Adam's hospital visits grew less frequent; Dawn, though sometimes guilty, cherished every moment.
Alex thrived as Daphne's secretary, and Tara vanished like a bad dream.
* * * * * *
One sunny afternoon at Dawn's apartment, laughter filled the air.
"If it isn't our almost–brother-in-law," Leslie teased as she and Jason burst in.
"The day you stop poking into people's business is the day I throw a party," Dawn shot back, grinning.
"Leslie's hilarious," Adam said.
"I thought we were partners," Jason joked.
"We are," Adam said with a wink.
The doorbell rang. Dawn opened it to find Alex, who swept her into a hug.
"I haven't gotten my share this month, secretary," Leslie teased.
"You're unbelievable," Jason muttered.
"Well, I did bring gifts," Alex said, handing small packages to Jason and Leslie.
"Traitor," Dawn laughed, and the room erupted in giggles.
* * * * * *
Across town, in a quiet hospital room, monitors quickened with sudden urgency. The rhythmic beep grew stronger. Nurses exchanged startled glances.
"Her vitals are improving," one whispered.
Ava's eyelids fluttered. They watched carefully, choosing not to call the family yet—not until they were certain.
* * * * * *
That evening, after leaving the hospital, Adam ducked into a quiet jewelry store on the edge of town.
The warm glow of the display lights bounced off rows of diamonds, but only one ring caught his eye—a delicate band with a single sapphire that reminded him of Dawn's calm yet fiery spirit.
He turned it in his fingers, heart thudding.
"Perfect," he whispered.
The jeweler slid the ring into a velvet box.
Adam tucked it safely into his jacket, the weight both thrilling and terrifying.
Outside, he leaned against his car, staring at the city lights.
"How do I even do this?" he muttered with a nervous laugh.
A proposal wasn't just a question; it was a promise—one he wanted to keep.
* * * * * *
Later, at home, he caught Daphne before she went upstairs.
"Mom," he said quietly, "I need your help with something…big."
Daphne took one look at his hopeful eyes and smiled knowingly.
"I'll book the restaurant," she said.
Adam exhaled, excitement chasing away the last of his doubts.
* * * * * *
Back at Dawn's, Alex and Dawn shared a quiet moment.
"I'm so grateful you recommended me for this job. I feel…valued," Alex said.
"That's the least I could do," Dawn replied with a smile.
"So—how are you and Adam?"
"We're good," Dawn said, cheeks pink.
"And his wife?"
"She's still…alive," Dawn murmured, her smile fading.
"I hope she gets better soon," Alex said gently.
A flicker of guilt tightened Dawn's chest. If I were Ava, would I forgive me?
"Earth to Dawn," Alex said with a grin.
"Sorry—lost in thought," she replied quickly.
Moments later, Dawn's phone buzzed. A text from Adam: Meet me at the restaurant tonight. Bring your siblings. I have a surprise.
Her heart leapt. She shared the news with Alex, who squealed in excitement.
* * * * * *
That evening, the restaurant glowed with candlelight. Adam, striking in a tailored suit, sat with Daphne, radiant in a midnight gown. Dawn arrived with her siblings and Alex, her dress stealing Adam's breath.
Conversation flowed until Adam stood, lifting his glass. "To family," he toasted.
Then, with a spark in his eyes, he pulled out a small velvet box.
Gasps filled the room.
"You didn't go down on one knee," Leslie teased.
Adam chuckled, sank to one knee anyway, and looked up at Dawn. "Will you marry me?"
Tears blurred her vision as she whispered, "Yes."
Applause erupted. Daphne embraced her. Alex beamed.
For a heartbeat, it felt like the perfect ending
* * * * * *
unaware that, across the city, Ava's eyes were slowly opening.