Adam returned home heavy-hearted after Dawn refused to open the door. He felt trapped between duty and love, torn between his two wives. Downstairs, Daphne sat with him, her voice calm and steady.
"Everything will be fine, Adam. None of this is your fault," she assured.
He gave a small nod, though his eyes betrayed his turmoil, and quietly headed upstairs to check on Ava.
Ava stirred as the doorknob turned.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," Adam said.
"You didn't wake me—the door did," she teased softly, managing a faint smile.
Adam tried to match it, but she quickly caught his mood.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," he replied, though the weight in his voice said otherwise.
* * * * * *
That night, Dawn drifted into a restless sleep and found herself standing in a candlelit chapel. White petals carpeted the aisle. Adam waited at the altar, his smile warm enough to melt every doubt.
She started toward him—until another set of footsteps echoed.
A second bride glided in from the side door. Ava. Her gown shimmered like moonlight, her eyes clear and knowing.
Adam turned, a ring in each hand.
Dawn's heart pounded. This isn't real. It's just a dream. But the hush of the room felt too alive, the roses too fragrant.
When she tried to speak, no sound came. Adam slipped a ring onto Ava's finger first, then looked back at Dawn with an ache that cut deeper than words.
She stirred and blinked into the pale noon light flooding the living room. The soft weight of a throw blanket lay across her legs, her siblings' voices a faint murmur down the hall. She was still on the couch, exactly where they'd left her.
Her breath came in quick, shallow bursts.
Was it a warning? Or just her own fear whispering back?
She cried until her eyes were swollen, whispering prayers for an end to the ache in her chest.
"Stop blaming yourself, Dawn. This isn't your fault," Jason said, but his words seemed to drift past her.
The doorbell rang. Leslie opened it to find Daphne, who hurried to Dawn's side and wrapped her in a warm embrace.
"He is your husband, too. None of this is on you," Daphne said gently.
"Ava needs him. He shouldn't visit me," Dawn choked out between sobs.
"Yes, Ava needs him—but so do you. Don't push him away. Remember, he loves you," Daphne urged.
When it was time to leave, Daphne patted Dawn's shoulder. "Take care of yourself," she said softly, then bid the twins goodbye.
"She's right. You're pushing him away," Leslie added as she headed upstairs. Jason kissed Dawn's forehead before quietly leaving her to rest.
Alone, Dawn changed clothes and lay on her bed, finally gathering the courage to call Adam. But when Ava's voice answered, Dawn froze, then hung up, her heart sinking. Moments later, she decided to go to her husband's house.
* * * * * *
Outside the Manchester home, Adam and Ava reminisced about the years they'd lost. Suddenly Ava's smile faded.
"Who's Dawn?" she asked, eyes narrowing.
Adam stiffened. "What do you mean?"
"She just called a few minutes ago."
Adam hesitated. "Oh… she's my wife—" he quickly added, "—for a film project. We're acting. Fans wanted the bride to have a groom, so I'm helping her."
Ava exhaled, relieved, and they continued talking.
Soon, Ava grew tired. "Let's go in," she said.
Adam wheeled her to the couch, where they laughed together—until Dawn stepped inside and froze at the sight.
"I…sorry, wrong house," she stammered.
"Wait—Dawn?" Adam blurted.
"Hi, Dawn," Ava greeted warmly.
"Hi," Dawn replied with a brittle smile.
Ava studied her. "You're the bride I saw yesterday!"
"Yes—for the movie," Dawn answered quickly.
"Adam told me he's your groom," Ava added.
"For the film. Fans insisted," Adam said smoothly, forcing a laugh.
Jealousy twisted in Dawn's chest as Ava slipped her hand through Adam's.
"I should go," Dawn said.
"Let me walk you out," Adam offered, following her into the night.
"Dawn, please—wait," he called, catching up.
"I was foolish to fall for a married man," Dawn said, pain sharpening her words.
"This isn't your fault. I'm the one who dragged you into this mess," Adam said earnestly.
She sighed, softening. "I'm sorry. I just… can't do this."
He hugged her briefly before watching her walk away.
Back inside, Ava's mood shifted.
"Who is she, really?" she demanded.
"I told you—"
"No. I saw you hug her," Ava interrupted, voice rising.
"She's going through a lot. I was comforting her, that's all," Adam insisted.
"I know you're lying, Adam," Ava said quietly, her eyes searching his.
"You need to rest," he said, deflecting. Ava wheeled herself away, refusing his touch.
Daphne entered moments later, noticing Ava's stormy expression.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
"Adam is cheating on me," Ava said flatly.
Daphne's face fell. "Where did you get that idea?"
"I saw it," Ava said firmly.
Daphne masked her worry. "Listen to me—he isn't cheating. I promise. I'll talk to him."
Ava nodded reluctantly, and Daphne headed upstairs, her heart heavy.
* * * * * *
Meanwhile, Dawn returned home to find Alex and her siblings whispering about her.
"You don't need to worry," she said with a faint smile. "I'll be fine."
"You don't have to pretend," Leslie replied gently.
"We'll always protect you," Jason added.
"They're right," Alex said. "We're here for you, always."
Their comfort warmed her, but the ache remained. Then her phone rang. Dawn answered—and froze.
"What?" she whispered, eyes widening.
She dropped the phone, grabbed her coat, and bolted out the door without a word.
Alex snatched up the phone, listening to Daphne on the line. Her face mirrored Dawn's shock.