Chapter 1

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?

"I'm getting married again," Daven said. "And I won't repeat myself, nor will I be asking for your permission." 

He set his coffee cup down abruptly, ending breakfast, he hadn't even touched.

Althea stood frozen near the long dining table topped with white marble. Her fingers, still holding the spatula, began to tremble. But she kept her expression composed. She bowed her head slightly, letting Daven's words sink in-though they felt like a slow-acting poison, quietly destroying her from the inside out.

"With Vanessa?" Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

Daven didn't look at her. He simply took a shallow breath before replying coldly, "Yes. Who else?"

Her husband, Daven Callister, had never loved her. His heart belonged entirely to Vanessa Blake. In truth, their marriage had always been nothing more than an oostacle to his love story. But what could Althea do when the woman who arranged the marriage had been so kind to her?