MY PULSE RACING, I relay my address to Gabe. He enters it on his GPRS and puts the car in gear. Of all the scenarios I had played in my mind about my meeting with Damien, I never expected it would have been that casual. It was only by sheer will I kept my raging emotions in check when he held his hand out and introduced himself to me. Gabriel was right. My plan to ambush Damien with information about our life together was seriously flawed. The cold, hard man I met would never have believed I’m his wife.

I unlock the door to my rented apartment and Gabe walks inside behind me.

“It’s a decent place,” he comments, looking around.

“It’s close to Hyde Park and I think Rian would love it here.”

Gabe tilts his head to look at me before settling himself on the couch in the living room. “Let’s talk. If we’re going to do this, then we have to plan everything.”

Oh, thank God, he’s agreed to help! Exhaling the pent-up breath that was constricting my chest, I shut my eyes as the tension ebbs away from my shoulders.

Blinking at him, I ask, “So how should we tell him? Should we tell him before the gala? Should I show him our pictures together? Shoot, why didn’t I think of that? I have so many photos.”

I start scrolling through my phone. My photos folder has hundreds of pictures of him and me and our son. I scan through so many, clicking my tongue as I reject some and approve others. Yes! This could work.

Gabe places a hand on my phone. “Aaliya, I’m sorry but we can’t tell him.”

“What do you mean we can’t tell him?” I frown. “I thought you would help.”

“I will, but not like this. I have to protect you and Rian first. And trust me, announcing you to the world like this is not safe for either of you.”

I drop my phone to the side and cross my hands. “Gabe, what are you not telling me?”

He gets up and starts pacing. “All I can say is that Damien’s father had several enemies who maybe after Damien now and until we know more, I can’t risk either you or Rian getting into the crossfire.”

“Don’t be cryptic, Gabe,” I scream, standing up as well. “I trusted you. Damien trusted you and yet you refuse to side me on this.”

“I am and will always be on your side. Just trust me to do this my way for now.”

My mouth opens and closes. I need his help and I guess in my heart I do trust him. So, I sit down.

“Fine. I’ll go with what you say for now.”

The frown knotting his forehead disappears.