nating between forced politeness and sullen silence. I didn

ppearing, like breadcrumbs

djusted slightly. Not my setting. On the floor, almost hidden, was a discarded wrapper from an organic energy bar. A brand Chloe always had on her desk, raving ab

is wasn't just about a bracelet anymore. Th

ey investors. Crucial for the new product launch. I was dressed, wa

y?" I

glanced at it, his

. "She sounds... dist

crisis can't wait until Monday, or be handled b

onday. She's really upset, thinks she's messed it up badly."

from Stanford Business School? She's

ning a hand th

ould check. Can you... can you get a rideshare to th

vestors, over our plans. He was prioriti

d quietly. "I don'

prised. "What

ting for you." I picked up my phone. "And you're not 'just

ned. "Don't be

laughed. "Go. Help Ch

ent, then grabbed his

oor clicked sh

e silence of our large, empty house

a? It'

p? Ready for y

y voice flat. "Can you start

pause on t

you sure? Wh

r dinner with me. After the bracelet incident. After I found her

who needs support and asked

bastard. Okay, Ava. Okay. I

"I'm a CEO, remembe

elieving in the power couple myth. The marriage, I realized, wasn't just a business cons