Adam was heading out when he caught sight of Dawn in the hallway—but not Ava. A flicker of concern passed through him, and instead of leaving, he turned back and climbed the stairs to her room.
He found her sitting by the window, eyes red, tears streaking down 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, frowning. "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, wrapping 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, but there was steel underneath. "Ava, that's not true. You're my wife. I can't live with Dawn without you."
She looked at him through blurry eyes. "You're just saying that because you pity me. I've seen the way 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 look at me, 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. "Well, you can't blame me for being this good-looking."
"You know you're going to have to grow up someday, right?" Ava teased, still smiling through her tears.
"Yeah," Adam said with a grin, "but definitely not today."
They both burst out laughing, the sound echoing softly between them.
He hugged her, his tone softening. "Don't ever apologize for being human, okay? 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 anyway.
He turned to leave and headed downstairs to tell Dawn that he was taking them out. Dawn rushed upstairs to get dressed.
* * * * * *
At the restaurant, the place 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 small smile. "I almost forgot. Thanks."
Dawn looked away, her chest tightening. He's allergic to shrimp? she thought, realizing how little she actually knew about him compared to Ava.
When their meals arrived, Adam kept the mood light, talking and smiling, but Dawn's quietness didn't escape him.
After the meal, they left the restaurant. The drive home was quiet, just the hum of the engine and the faint city lights slipping past. Dawn sat by the window, lost in thought, while Ava leaned her head back, looking peaceful for the first time in a long while.
When they got home, Ava thanked Adam for the outing and went upstairs to rest. As soon as she was gone, Adam turned to Dawn, catching the faint shadow in her eyes.
"You've been quiet," he said. "Didn't like the food?"
Dawn looked up. "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 teased. "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, pulling her into a light hug.
Just then, Ava walked in with a playful 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, grinning. "Since you brag about being rich and handsome, what did you expect?"
He laughed. "Touché. 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, glowing as usual.
"Hi, Daphne," Dawn greeted warmly.
"Hey, Dawn. You look beautiful," Daphne said with a grin.
"Thanks. You seem happier than usual," Dawn noticed.
"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. The house grew quiet again, a little too quiet.
Then Adam's voice echoed from inside, tense, sharp.
Moments later, he burst through the door, his face pale and shaken.
"What happened?" Daphne asked, rushing down the stairs.
Adam didn't answer. He just grabbed his keys and stormed out.
"Adam!" Dawn called after him, but he was already gone.
The silence that followed felt thick and heavy.
Minutes turned into hours. Then the phone rang. Daphne picked it up and then froze.
Her eyes widened, her voice trembling. "It's Adam… he's been in an accident."