Word spread faster than Aliyah expected. She had been careful,moving quietly, keeping her life as private as possible. But somehow, Ace found out. Maybe through mutual friends. Maybe from Ashley. She didn’t ask. She only knew that he called one rainy afternoon, his voice soft and filled with a cautious curiosity.

“I heard you and Marion are no longer… together,” he said after the small talk fizzled.

Aliyah was silent for a moment before answering. “We’re separated.”

She ...