Ethan POV

Grace stands before me. The recording device between us like a chasm.

I wait. Heart pounding. Desperate for her to speak. To explain. To deny.

To say anything.

She opens her mouth. Then closes it. Silent.

No. No, not this. Anything but this.

"Grace." My voice cracks. "Say something. Tell me it's not what it looks like. Tell me there's explanation."

More silence. Her eyes meeting mine. Then looking away.

The lack of ...