vanilla candles and cat litter. It was tiny, barely big enough for Briana an

Helena's suitcases and hauling it inside.

admitted, stepping

ly. "Kitty!" he shrieked, chasing

smile at the sight. For the first time in months, Leo looked happy. N

a tight hug. "I'm so sorry, Hel. I got your voicemail th

l at once. Briana handed her a cup of hot tea, and the warmth

ard, the assault, the arrest, the police

outrage. "That son of a bitch," she hissed when Helena finished. "Who

Helena said bitterly. "CEO of Ne

w you were there?" B

Found out I used to be married to him and called his company's legal team. I've been so caref

her voice dropping to a whisper. "Hel... did he see an

She shook her head vigorously. "No. No, I had my phone locked. An

"Because if he saw a picture, if

oked over at Leo, who was now gently petting Mr. Whiske

leave marks. "Bri, you have to promise me. You can

l. But I still don't understand why you're so scared. He's a

ight. He's not just rich, Bri. He's powerful. He has lawyers on retainer w

his son, he won't just ask for child support. He'

rts wouldn't jus

asting like acid. "I was just arrested, Bri. I have no job, no home, no money. I'm living off m

over them. "Okay," she said softly. "I get it. Your secret is safe.

. She pulled out her phone, swiping through her emails u

spark of hope flickering in her

Briana. "I got an inte

Financial Assistant? Helena, that's huge! The pay is amazing

hing her lips. "If I can get this job, I can afford a smal

with a fierce, protective love. "I have

ll practice tonight. You're going to walk in t

rock bottom. She had been humiliated, rejected, and arrested. But she w