Twice Loved, Once Betrayed

Ava Lane has come close to marriage twice. The first was a whirlwind with Ethan Sterling, head of the Sterling Group, until his ever-present childhood sweetheart drove her away; the second is her quiet life with her considerate husband, Dr. Caleb Reid, in a desolate forest research station in the Scottish Highlands. For three years, Ethan's people never lost contact, delivering rare orchids each month with a card that always reads: when you've had enough, come back. Ava never answered.

Then Caleb asks to move his ex, Lydia, and her daughter into their home. Lydia, his former doctoral student, has been crying at Ava's studio door, and Caleb has already rented her an apartment in town behind Ava's back. When he returns and finds her there, he takes Lydia's side and blames Ava.

Ava finally messages the number she has ignored for three years: come pick me up, I'm ready to go home. She lost the bet she once made with Ethan, and now she must decide what is left of a marriage built on a promise.