Take care of yourself, Joseph said abruptly, his voice clipped, before ending the call.

Sure, I will.

He had hung up too quickly, but in those few seconds, Sabrina had caught another voiceLaylas. Clear as day, she had heard her enunciate the words candlelit dinner.

On their second wedding anniversary.

Her husband, out having a candlelit dinner with another woman. The irony was bitter enough to choke on.

Layla was back.

As much as Sabrina didnt want to believe it, here it wasundeniable, inescapable truth. And with it came a crushing wave of defeat, as though shed been stripped of armor and left defenseless on the battlefield. But then again, hadnt the war been over for years? She had lost to Layla long before tonight, back when victory wasnt even a possibility. What made her think Joseph would ever choose her over Layla? Her pregnancy?

A dry laugh caught in her throat. Thank God she hadnt told him. That wouldve been the ultimate humiliation.

Sabrina cried until her chest felt hollow, venting every knot of pain until she was spent. Then came the strange clarity of the aftermath.

If this was what he wanted, she could step aside. She could accept it.

After a long bath, she lay in bed, the room dark and quiet. Yet rest wouldnt come. She tossed, turned, closed her eyes. Moments before sleep finally claimed her, her phone vibrated on the nightstand, jolting her awake.

It was Samuel Hawthorne. His voice was brisk: Josephs drunk. Out cold. Hes causing a sceneyoud better come get him.

A frown creased her brow. Wasnt Joseph supposed to be with Layla tonight?

Why not just find someone to take him home? she started to suggest, already knowing how it would end.

But Samuel had hung up. When she redialed, his phone was switched off.

Suppressing the ache in her chest, Sabrina climbed out of bed and dressed, each movement deliberate, as if forcing herself into control. Once ready, she directed the driver to Josephs favorite club.

When she arrived, she found the lounge eerily quiet. There he was, stretched across a leather sofa, his long legs crossed, tie still perfectly knotted. Even in this state, utterly inebriated, Joseph retained his usual polished gracea man who seemed immune to disarray. Some people were just infuriatingly flawless like that.

Sabrina stepped closer and suddenly gagged, her stomach twisting violently. Pregnancy nausea, she guessed, clutching her abdomen until the roiling subsided.

When the queasiness passed, she turned to Samuel, her voice edged with strain. What happened? How did he drink so much? I thought he was with Layla tonight.

Samuel gave her a pointed look, a faint sneer curling his lips. You knew, didnt you? Your husband goes off to spend the night with another woman, and you just let him?

She stiffened, hands balling into fists at her sides before exhaling slowly. Forcing her grip to loosen, her tone was composed when she replied, Weve agreed to divorce. Other than the official papers, hes already a free man. I have no right to stop him.

His laugh was curt, cutting. How tolerant of you, Sabrina.

Samuels voice sharpened, words deliberate. Do you have any idea how good hes been to you all these years? Treating you like some fragile treasureand now, just like that, you let it all slip through your fingers? You didnt even bother to fight for him?

She blinked at him, startled. Funny. I distinctly remember you being the loudest voice against our marriage back then. Shouldnt you be delighted now that its ending? Why does it bother you so much?

Because people change, Samuel shot back, his irritation plain. Back then, sure, I didnt like you. But once you were married, it became something worth holding ontonot some game to throw away. And besides

He paused, his gaze holding hers, unflinching. Youre better for him than Layla ever was.

She stared at him, startled, but Samuel said no more. Instead, she called for her driver, and with his help, half-dragged Joseph out to the car.

They had barely stepped out of the vehicle when a familiar figure appeared before them. Martin LarkinsJosephs father.

Dad? Sabrina blurted, startled. What are you doing here?

Martins glare was trained squarely on Josephs unconscious form. Drunk out of his mind? Is that what passes for self-control these days? He has a family nowwheres his sense of responsibility?

Sabrina stepped forward quickly, her smile practiced and soothing. Its my fault, Dad. Tonight was our anniversary. Some friends got together, and everyone kept offering me drinks. Joseph was worried I wouldnt handle it, so he took my share himself.

The explanation softened Martins expression, and he nodded approvingly. That makes more sense.

Handing her a small velvet box, he added, Your grandpa and I thought wed mark the occasion with this. Sorry its late. I hope you like it. And I wish you both many more years togetherhappily, hand in hand.

Tears pricked Sabrinas eyes as she accepted the gift. Thank you, Grandpa. Thank you, Dad. Its beautiful, and it means so much. Thank you for remembering.

Arent you going to open it? Martin asked.

Anything from you and Grandpa, Ill love unconditionally, she said with a smile.

He chuckled, his stern demeanor warming. Silly girl. So honest, so softheartedyoull always have a place in this family. Remember, if Joseph ever misbehaves, dont hesitate to tell me. Ill set him straight.

Thank you, Dad. Ill remember, she said, her laughter bright and genuine.

Good. Now, get some rest. Dont waste your night.

Sabrina handed Joseph off to the household staff before accompanying Martin back to the front door. He waved her off gently. No need to see me out. Youve got enough on your plate.

Goodnight, Dad. Drive safe.

Once back inside, it took every ounce of effort to haul Joseph upstairs and settle him into a bath. But when she returned from fetching towels, she found him sprawled on the floor, having fallen asleep where hed landed.

For the first time in hours, Sabrina chuckled. He wasnt always the immaculate and composed man people believed him to be. He had these moments toounguarded and undignified.

Joseph, she said softly, crouching beside him. Get up. Your baths ready.

No response.

Come on, she prodded, her voice lilting like a coaxing lullaby. If you dont get up, Ill leave you here. Dont say I didnt warn you!

Still nothing.

With a resigned sigh, Sabrina began undressing him, her hands working methodically even as her cheeks heated. She helped him into the water, the milky scent of the body wash making her stomach churn anew. Twice she had to pause to retch.

Finally, the ordeal was over. Sabrina settled him onto the bed, her limbs aching from exertion.

She thought she could finally retreat, but then his arms encircled her waist. His voice, soft and slurred, murmured against her skin. Dont go. Stay. Stay with me.

The warmth of his touch spread through her like a long-forgotten ember catching flame. Her heart tripped beneath her ribs, as if she were that girl againthe one whod fallen for him all those years ago. Sweetness, soft and dizzying, filled her chest.

Joseph, always so composed and distant, was asking her to stay. Sober, he never would have shown such vulnerability. And yet here he was, holding her like she was his anchor.

For tonightfor the last timewhy not?

Her lips curved into a small, sad smile. Tomorrow, they would be strangers again. No more shared beds, no more whispered nights. She could afford this one indulgence.

Okay, she whispered.

Carefully, she lay beside him, letting the warmth of his body seep into hers. She pulled the blanket over them both, cocooning the intimacy of the moment. Her fingers traced a delicate map of his facethe arch of his brows, the straight line of his nose, the curve of his lips. Every touch was a stolen secret.

Her hand fell to his, their fingers entwining naturally, tightly. She held on, savoring the fleeting connection.

Morning came too soon. It was the vibrating hum of a phone that broke the fragile dream.

Groggy and unsteady, Sabrina fumbled for the device. Hello? she murmured, her voice raw with sleep.

Sabrina? The voice on the other end was sharp with confusion. A womans voice.

Layla.

It wasnt her phone. It was Josephs.

A jolt of realization set her upright. She glanced at the screen in horror before thrusting the phone toward him. Her voice trembled, trying to mask the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

Ms. Fairfax is looking for you.