Adam leaned back against the cool slats of the bench, staring up at the restless branches swaying overhead. The breeze carried a memory he hadn't invited: Ava's laugh, soft and warm, like sunlight spilling through kitchen curtains.
Bare feet on grass. A coffee mug in her hand as she teased him for burning pancakes on a Sunday morning.
He almost smiled. Almost.
Then the image cracked and flickered, replaced by the sterile white of a hospital room, the unrelenting beep of machines echoing in his chest.
Would Ava ever walk into this park again? Would she even know him if she woke?
Guilt settled over him like a heavy fog. Loving Dawn felt like a betrayal. Maybe he didn't deserve a second chance.
Adam rubbed his face, letting out a long, shaky breath. Maybe… loving Dawn was wrong.
A soft voice broke through the haze.
"Adam, please—let's talk," Dawn said, her steps careful on the pavement.
He didn't look at her. "There's nothing to talk about."
"I know you're angry. You have every right," she said, voice trembling. "But think about me when this started. I didn't know you. I just… needed the money."
"Until today?" His words were flat, distant.
"No. I told Daphne I couldn't take her money anymore. I wasn't in it for the deal; I love you, Adam."
"Do you think this is a game to me? First Ava… and now I'm finding out you cared more about the money than me."
"That was then," she whispered, voice shaking. "I didn't know you… I wanted the money… because of my siblings." Tears slipped down her cheeks. "You can't blame me for trying to make a living."
Adam's chest tightened. "Please… don't cry. I don't like seeing a lady cry."
"Then… know this!" she said, sniffing, trying to steady her voice. "All this… it's not for money anymore. I promise. I don't care what Tara or anyone thinks. I know… my heart beats for you."
Adam stared at her a long moment, the weight of her words sinking in, before finally pulling her into a tight, warm hug.
"Your eyes… they say it all," he murmured, burying his face in her hair.
"But why didn't you tell me?"
"I was scared," she whispered. "I made a mistake… I'm sorry."
Silence stretched between them, broken only by the rustling trees above, the distant honk of a car, the hum of the city.
"Talk to me," Dawn said again, softer this time.
He nodded. Slowly, he reached for her hand. Fingers laced, tentative but real. Together, they wandered through the streets of New York. Laughter started small, then spilled louder, cutting through the tension like sunlight through clouds. Hours blurred into days, days into months. Their love grew—messy, imperfect, but theirs.
Adam's hospital visits became less frequent. Dawn, though guilt still lingered, cherished each stolen moment. Alex thrived as Daphne's secretary. Tara… faded, like a shadow that didn't belong.
* * * * * *
One sunny afternoon at Dawn's apartment, laughter spilled through the rooms.
"If it isn't our almost-brother-in-law," Leslie teased, barging in with Jason trailing behind.
"The day you stop poking into everyone's business is the day I throw a party," Dawn shot back, grinning despite herself.
"Leslie's hilarious," Adam said, shaking his head.
"I thought we were partners," Jason said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"We are," Adam replied, winking.
The doorbell rang. Dawn swung it open. Alex leaned in for a hug, warm and firm, and Dawn felt some of the lingering stress slip away.
"I haven't gotten my share this month, secretary," Leslie teased.
"You're unbelievable," Jason muttered.
"Well, I did bring gifts," Alex said, handing small packages to Jason and Leslie.
"Traitor," Dawn laughed, and the room erupted in giggles, playful chaos filling the apartment.
* * * * * *
Across town, in a quiet hospital room, monitors beeped faster, sharper. Nurses exchanged startled glances.
"Her vitals are improving," one whispered.
Ava's eyelids fluttered. Slowly. Carefully. They held off calling the family—not yet. Not until they were certain.
* * * * * *
That evening, Adam ducked into a jewelry store tucked between buildings. The display lights glimmered against rows of diamonds, but only one caught his eye: a delicate band with a single sapphire, calm and fiery at once.
He turned it in his fingers, heart thudding.
"Perfect," he murmured.
The jeweler slid the ring into a velvet box. Adam tucked it into his jacket, weight both thrilling and terrifying. Outside, he leaned against his car, staring at the city lights.
"How do I even do this?" he muttered, nervous laugh cracking his chest. A proposal wasn't just a question—it was a promise. One he desperately wanted to keep.
* * * * * *
Later, at home, he caught Daphne before she went upstairs.
"Mom," he said quietly. "I need your help with something…big."
Daphne's knowing smile made him exhale slowly. "I'll book the restaurant," she said.
Excitement chased away the last of his doubts.
* * * * * *
Back at Dawn's, she and Alex shared a quiet moment.
"I'm so grateful you recommended me for this job. I feel… valued," Alex said.
"That's the least I could do," Dawn replied, smiling softly.
"So… you and Adam?"
"We're good," Dawn said, cheeks pink.
"And his wife?"
"She's still… alive," Dawn murmured, smile fading.
"I hope she gets better soon," Alex said gently.
Guilt tightened Dawn's chest. If I were Ava… would I forgive me?
"Earth to Dawn," Alex teased.
"Sorry—lost in thought," she said, shaking it off.
Dawn's phone buzzed; a text from Adam: Meet me at the restaurant tonight. Bring your siblings. I have a surprise.
Her heart leapt. Alex squealed with excitement, and Dawn couldn't help but laugh.
* * * * * *
That evening, the restaurant glowed with candlelight. Adam, sharp in a tailored suit, sat beside Daphne, radiant in a midnight gown. Dawn arrived with her siblings and Alex, and Adam's breath caught.
Conversation flowed until Adam stood, lifting his glass. "To family," he toasted.
Then, with a spark in his eyes, he opened a small velvet box.
Gasps echoed.
"You didn't go down on one knee?" Leslie teased.
Adam chuckled, sank to one knee anyway, and looked up at Dawn. "Will you marry me?"
Tears blurred her vision. "Yes."
Applause erupted. Daphne embraced her. Alex beamed.
For a heartbeat, everything felt perfect.
Then, across the city… Ava's eyelids fluttered open.