Adam came back home feeling heavy, heart all tight and messed up after Dawn didn't open the door. He felt… trapped, like he couldn't breathe between duty and love. Between his two wives. Downstairs, Daphne was sitting there, calm like always.
"Everything's gonna be fine, Adam. None of this is your fault," she said, voice steady.
He just nodded, small, quiet, eyes betraying everything, and went upstairs to check on Ava.
Ava stirred as the doorknob turned.
"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," Adam said.
"You didn't wake me, the door did," she teased softly, trying a little smile.
Adam tried to smile back, but she could tell something was off.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," he said, but the weight in his voice… it said everything.
* * * * * *
That night, Dawn fell into a restless sleep and found herself in a chapel, all candlelight and white petals on the aisle. Adam waited at the altar, smiling like he could melt every single doubt she had.
She started walking toward him—until another set of footsteps echoed.
A second bride… Ava. Her gown shimmered like moonlight and her eyes were sharp, clear… knowing.
Adam held a ring in each hand.
Dawn's heart pounded so fast she thought it might burst. This isn't real. Just a dream. But… the air smelled real, the roses smelled real… it felt too alive.
She opened her mouth to say something. Nothing came. Adam slipped a ring onto Ava's finger first, then looked back at Dawn. His eyes… oh God, they were full of pain.
She woke up, blinking into the pale noon light that flooded the living room. Blanket heavy on her legs. Siblings' voices faint down the hall. She was still on the couch.
Breath coming in quick, short bursts.
Was it a warning? Or just… her own fear talking back?
She cried. Cried until her eyes were swollen and raw. Whispered prayers over and over, begging for the ache in her chest to stop.
"Stop blaming yourself, Dawn. It ain't your fault," Jason said, but… it sounded like it came from far away, like he wasn't really there.
Doorbell rang. Leslie opened it to find Daphne rushing in, wrapping her in a hug warm enough to almost make her forget the pain.
"He's your husband too. None of this is on you," Daphne said softly.
"Ava… needs him. He shouldn't be visiting me," Dawn whispered through tears.
"Yes, Ava needs him, but so do you. Don't push him away. He loves you," Daphne urged, gentle but firm.
When they left, Daphne patted Dawn's shoulder. "Take care of yourself," she said. Twins waved goodbye.
"She's right. You're pushing him away," Leslie said, heading upstairs. Jason kissed Dawn's forehead before leaving her to rest.
Alone, Dawn changed out of her wedding gown and laid on the bed, trying to gather courage to call Adam. But… when Ava's voice answered, Dawn froze. Hung up. Heart sinking. Decided she had to go see him.
* * * * * *
Outside the Manchester house, Adam and Ava talked, laughing softly, remembering the years they'd lost. Then Ava's smile faded.
"Who's Dawn?" she asked, eyes narrowing.
Adam froze. "What do you mean?"
"She just called a few minutes ago."
"Oh… she's my wife—" Adam hesitated, "…for a film project. Acting. Fans wanted the bride to have a groom, so… I'm helping."
Ava exhaled, relief softening her face. They kept talking.
Eventually, Ava grew tired. "Let's go inside," she said. Adam wheeled her to the couch, and they laughed a little… until Dawn stepped in.
She froze.
"I… sorry, wrong house," she stammered.
"Wait—Dawn?" Adam blurted.
"Hi, Dawn," Ava said warmly.
"Hi," Dawn replied, smile brittle.
Ava looked her over. "You're the bride I saw yesterday!"
"Yes… for the movie," Dawn said fast.
"Adam told me he's your groom," Ava said.
"For the film… fans insisted," Adam said, forcing a laugh.
Jealousy twisted in Dawn's chest. She watched Ava slip her hand through Adam's.
"I… I should go," Dawn whispered.
"Let me walk you out," Adam said, following her into the night.
"Dawn… please, wait," he called.
"I was stupid to fall for a married man," she said, voice sharp.
"This isn't your fault. I'm the one who dragged you into this mess," Adam said.
She sighed, softening a little. "I'm sorry… I just… can't."
He hugged her briefly, letting her go, watching her walk away.
Inside, Ava's mood shifted suddenly.
"Who is she, really?" she demanded.
"I told you—"
"No. I saw you hug her," Ava interrupted, voice rising.
"She… she's going through a lot. I was just… comforting her," Adam said, voice tight.
"I know you're lying, Adam," Ava said quietly, eyes sharp on him.
"You… need to rest," he said, trying to deflect. Ava wheeled away, refusing his touch.
Daphne came in moments later, noticing Ava's stormy expression.
"Sweetheart… what's wrong?"
"Adam is cheating on me," Ava said flatly.
Daphne's face fell. "Where… where did you get that from?"
"I saw it," Ava said firmly.
Daphne masked her worry. "He isn't cheating. I promise. I'll talk to him."
Ava nodded reluctantly. Daphne headed upstairs, heart heavy.
* * * * * *
Meanwhile, Dawn returned home. Alex and her siblings were whispering, trying not to be loud. She didn't even notice at first, her eyes distant, her chest tight. Every step felt heavy, like the floor was pulling her down.
She sank onto the couch, not saying a word. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, twisting the fabric as if it could hold together the pieces of her heart. She could still see him; Adam smiling at Ava, holding her hand, laughing softly… that stupid, perfect laugh that made her stomach twist.
"I… I just…" she whispered to herself, voice cracking. She didn't even know what she was trying to say. She hated herself for the jealousy, for feeling like her chest was being squeezed. "Why does it hurt so much?"
Alex crouched beside her, gently nudging her shoulder. "Dawn… it's okay. You're not alone. He loves you, you know that."
She shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "I don't even know what love is anymore. I saw him with her… it's like I'm invisible."
Leslie peeked from behind the staircase, worry on her face. "Dawn… don't torture yourself. You're not invisible. He cares about you, I swear."
But Dawn's eyes were fixed on the window, imagining Adam leaning toward Ava, brushing her hair back, smiling that way… the way he never smiled at her now. Her chest ached. Her hands trembled. She wanted to yell, to cry, to run away, but all she did was squeeze her knees, letting the tears slide, hoping no one noticed how broken she felt.
Jason crouched in front of her, voice softer than usual. "Dawn… don't push him away because you're scared. Just… breathe. Okay?"
She nodded slowly, more out of habit than belief, her thoughts still caught in a loop: He's smiling at her. He's holding her hand. He's… happy. And I… I'm just sitting here.
Alex reached out and grabbed her hand. "Hey… we've got you. Always."
She let out a shaky breath, leaning into her hand, but the ache didn't leave. Not yet. Not until she could figure out how to deal with the jealousy gnawing at her chest.
"You don't need to worry," Dawn said faintly, "I… I'll be fine."
"You don't have to pretend," Leslie said gently.
"We'll always protect you," Jason added.
"They're right," Alex said. "We're here… always."
Warmth settled for a moment, but the ache stayed. Then her phone rang.
She answered. Froze.
"What?" she whispered, eyes wide.
Dropped the phone, grabbed her coat, and ran out the door without a word.
Alex snatched the phone, listening to Daphne on the line. Her face… mirrored Dawn's shock.