Guy flicked through page after page of handwritten and typed notes, photographs, and various photocopied forms. He closed the folder and rested his hand on it as though it was hard for him to part with it.

“And now it’s up to you,” he said, looking her in the eyes with none of his usual bravado. Instead, his expression was pleading, as though if Nory didn’t give him this lifeline, he would fall into an abyss.

“You’ve done all this in ten days? You’ve been busy,” she said.

“I checked myself into the Priory clinic. As an outpatient. I go every day for counseling and then I work; it’s like double therapy. I’d probably go completely mad without Camille if I didn’t have my work. I’m sorting myself out, Nory.”

A tear escaped and ran down his cheek, and he let it. No joke about being a crybaby. He didn’t even try to wipe it away, he just let it fall and be chased immediately by another.

“I love Camille and I want her back. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll be a better man; I’ll be the man she deserves.”

“Words are easy,” said Nory.

Guy nodded. “That’s why I’m putting them into action.”

Nory looked at him properly. There was an earnestness about him that she hadn’t seen in a really long time, maybe never. She could cut him out of her life forever; it would be no more than he deserved. But despite it all, she believed he was trying.

“Wouldn’t it be better for you to send it to Isaac directly?” Nory asked, looking back down at the folder.

“No, I don’t think so. I’ve taken enough liberties with your life. This one’s all yours—you get to make an informed choice about what happens next. If you don’t send it on, that’s your decision. I won’t publish without consent. If you send it on and Isaac agrees, we’ll take it from there.”

Nory’s stomach was writhing. “Do you really think Isaac has a chance to get Heba recognized as the artist?” She searched Guy’s face.

“I do. I wouldn’t put my name on the line if I wasn’t confident. You of all people know that I don’t like to lose.”

A laugh escaped her, in spite of herself. Anger was such a draining emotion and it had certainly been taking its toll on Nory’s well-being. She wasn’t ready to forgive Guy. But as much as she wanted to shoot fire out of her fingertips and banish him to the underworld for all eternity, she knew she couldn’t hate him forever.

“Okay.” She sighed. “Leave it here. I’ll have a think.” She rubbed her temples, the urge to lie down and sleep overwhelming her once more.