Adam was heading out when he caught sight of Dawn in the hallway—but not Ava. A flicker of concern passed through him. He turned back and climbed the stairs to her room.
He found her sitting by the window, her eyes red, tears streaking her cheeks.
"Ava?" he called softly, stepping closer. "What happened? Why are you crying?"
She quickly wiped her face, forcing a small smile. "It's nothing. I'm just being silly."
Adam crouched beside her, his brows furrowing. "You're crying, and you're telling me it's nothing?"
Ava shook her head and let out a shaky laugh before collapsing against his chest. "I keep seeing flashes of us—before the coma. I miss it, Adam. I miss us."
Adam sighed and wrapped his arms around her. "Hey, you're here now. I'll always be with you, no matter what happens."
Ava's grip tightened. "That's the problem," she murmured.
He pulled back, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I don't want to ruin your happiness with Dawn. You two… you look good together. You love her, I can see it. Maybe it's better if I step away."
Adam's voice softened, yet there was firmness in it. "Ava, that's not true. You're my wife. I can't live with Dawn without you."
She looked at him with teary eyes. "You're just saying that because you pity me. I've seen how you look at her."
Adam gently lifted her chin. "Ava, look at me. Do you see pity in my eyes?"
She hesitated, trembling. "I don't know anymore."
He smiled faintly. "Then let me remind you—you're lucky to have me. I mean, I'm handsome, rich, and caring."
Ava blinked, then laughed despite herself. "How could I forget? I married a man whose ego is bigger than his mansion."
He shrugged playfully. "Well, you can't blame me for having these features."
"Grow up, Adam," she said, smiling through her tears.
He hugged her again, his tone softening. "Don't ever apologize for being human. You didn't ask to fall into a coma. You didn't do anything wrong."
She nodded slowly, her voice small. "Thank you. I'm sorry for wanting a divorce."
Adam kissed her forehead. "Go get dressed. We're going out—both of you."
At the mention of Dawn, her smile faltered, but she nodded.
He turned to leave just as Alex walked in. "Hi, boss," she greeted cheerfully.
"Hey, Alex. How are you doing?"
"I'm good. Thanks for asking," Alex replied, joining Dawn upstairs to get ready.
* * * * * *
At the restaurant, the air buzzed with chatter and laughter. A waiter appeared with a polite smile and took their orders.
"Ladies first," Adam said, motioning toward his wives.
After they finished, he looked at the waiter. "I'll have the chicken toast and sea soup."
"No shrimp," Ava quickly added. "He's allergic."
The waiter nodded and left. Adam turned to her with a grateful smile. "I almost forgot. Thank you."
Dawn looked away, her chest tightening. He's allergic to shrimp? she thought, realizing how little she knew about him compared to Ava.
When their meals arrived, Adam paid attention to both of them, keeping the atmosphere light. But Dawn's quietness didn't escape him.
After the meal, they all left the restaurant. The drive home was quiet, filled with the soft hum of the engine and the distant city lights flickering past the windows. Dawn sat beside the window, lost in thought, while Ava leaned her head against the seat, looking content for the first time in a while.
When they arrived home, Ava thanked Adam for the outing and went upstairs to rest. As soon as she was gone, Adam turned to Dawn, noticing the faint cloud in her expression.
"You've been quiet. Didn't enjoy the food?"
Dawn looked up at him. "It's not that. I just… I don't know you that well. And I don't like that feeling."
Adam chuckled softly, catching her off guard. "You're jealous of Ava, aren't you?"
Her eyes widened. "No, I—"
"You are," he said, still smiling. "Ava was my best friend before she became my wife. Of course she knows things about me. But that doesn't mean you love me any less, Dawn."
She frowned, embarrassed. "You're laughing at me."
"I'm laughing because you care," he said gently, pulling her into a brief hug.
Just then, Ava walked in with a teasing smirk. "I'd like to borrow my husband for a while."
Adam raised a brow. "Borrow? Ava, you've turned me into property now?"
She crossed her arms playfully. "Since you brag about being rich and handsome, what did you expect?"
He chuckled. "Fair point. What do you need?"
"Come with me," she said, already walking away.
Adam turned to Dawn. "I'll be back soon."
Dawn nodded, smiling faintly as he left.
* * * * * *
Moments later, Daphne entered, radiant as ever.
"Hi, Daphne," Dawn greeted warmly.
"Hey, Dawn. You look beautiful," Daphne said with a grin.
"Thanks. You seem happier than usual," Dawn observed.
"I am. I finally feel at peace seeing Adam this happy again. You brought light back into his life."
"Come on, Daphne, I can't take all the credit," Dawn replied shyly.
"He's still so full of himself," she added jokingly.
Daphne chuckled. "He takes after his father."
"What was he like?" Dawn asked curiously.
"Story for another day," Daphne said with a wink. "I'm off to nap before it drives off."
Dawn laughed as Daphne disappeared upstairs. She wandered around the quiet house, suddenly feeling the silence close in.
Then Adam's voice echoed from outside—tense, sharp.
Moments later, he burst through the door, his expression pale and shaken.
"What happened?" Daphne asked, rushing down the stairs.
Adam didn't answer. He grabbed his keys and stormed out.
"Adam!" Dawn called after him, but he was gone.
The silence that followed was thick and frightening.
Minutes dragged into hours. Then the phone rang. Daphne picked it up—and froze.
Her eyes widened, her voice trembling. "It's Adam… he's been in an accident."