Chapter 137: Are you being honest with me?
Lilianna’s grip on Ava’s arms slackened, her expression clouded with sadness. She took a hesitant step backward, her footing unsteady, and nearly stumbled.
"Lilianna!" Ava gasped, reaching out instinctively to steady her. "Please, don’t be upset. Yes, Dylan and I are in the process of getting a divorce, but we still have three months to try and make things work. I promise you, we’re giving it our best shot."
Lilianna snapped her head and looked at her, a glimmer of hope cutting through her doubt. "Are you being honest with me?"
Ava nodded earnestly. "Yes. Truly. We’re trying, Lilianna. Look," she said, gesturing to the pile of shopping bags resting on the settee. "See those dresses? He picked them out for me. That’s how serious he is."
A soft chuckle escaped Lilianna as her gaze flicked to the bags. "So, he is really putting in the effort," she murmured, her skepticism giving way. She turned to Ava as she fixed her with a pointed look. "But what about you? Are his efforts enough to make you want to take him back?"
Ava hesitated, her heart twisting at the question. She could have just told her true feelings and walked out of there. But she remembered the promise she made to Dylan. For Lilianna’s sake, she needed to play the part of a devoted wife.
Summoning all her resolve, Ava forced a smile and nodded. "Let me show you the dresses," she said, stepping toward the settee. She reached for the shopping bags, pulling out the elegant dresses one by one.
Outside the door, Dylan froze mid-step, his hand hovering near the doorknob. He hadn’t intended to eavesdrop, but the words reached him, stopping him in his tracks.
He was satisfied with Ava’s answer, his heart thudding in his chest. Ava could have simply told Lilianna the truth, laid bare the uncertainty of their situation, and walked away from the charade. But she didn’t.
A wave of unexpected relief washed over him. Maybe, deep down, Ava truly wanted to try. With a hopeful smile on his face, he returned to the hall.
The dinner ended peacefully. Dylan and Ava acted as if everything was normal between them. Their smiles and light conversation masked the undercurrent of tension between them.