Tina was quiet for a moment. “What do you want from me?”

“I want to help. I’ve filed for divorce, and I’m prepared to cooperate fully with the criminal investigation. My lawyer has been instructed to turn over any documents that might help your custody case.”

“Why?”

“Because you deserve justice. Because your son deserves a father who isn’t a criminal. And because I need to live with myself after this is all over.”

“I don’t understand. You were married to him for years. You must have loved him.”

Emily’s laugh was bitter. “I thought I did. But I think I was more in love with the idea of being married than with Darren himself. And when I found out what he’d done to you… I realized I never really knew him at all.”

“What about the business? The investment from your father?”

“My father is pulling his funding. Darren’s company is going under, and honestly, good riddance. I don’t want anything that was built on lies.”

They sat in silence for a moment, two women who’d both been betrayed by the same man.

“I’m sorry,” Emily said finally. “For all of it. I know that doesn’t change anything, but I needed to say it.”

“Thank you,” Tina said quietly. “For coming here. For helping with the case. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”

“It wasn’t. But it was necessary.”

After Emily left, Tina found herself sitting in the kitchen with Lauren and Edwin, processing the surreal conversation.

“Well,” Edwin said finally, “that was unexpected.”

“She seemed genuine,” Lauren said. “And if she’s willing to help with the custody case…”

“It’s good news,” Tina finished. “With her testimony and the criminal charges, there’s no way Darren can get custody.”

“So what does that mean for your plans?” Edwin asked.

Tina looked at her parents, these people who’d raised her and loved her unconditionally. “I’m moving to New York. After everything is settled here, Carson and I are moving to New York.”

“To be with Bette,” Lauren said. It wasn’t a question.

“To try to be with Bette. To show her that I’m serious about this.”

“And if she says no?”

“Then Carson and I will build a life there anyway. But at least I’ll know I tried.”