Forget and forgive?

Disbelief etched itself deeper onto Bruno's face. A frown, initially laced with worry, morphed into a mixture of surprise and relief.

"Not married?" he sputtered, bewildered. "Then what was that announcement? You said you'd registered your marriage in the press!" Relief warred with confusion. Are you lying now?"

Lara sighed, feeling sorry for lying at the time. That lie had complicated things in their lives, drawing Silas and Esme into their messy web. She was relieved that Silas had brought Esme back. Now, it was her turn to untangle the mess, to face Bruno with honesty.

She began dressing slowly, choosing her words with care. "My father is not well. He is suffering from a deadly brain tumor."

"Are you serious?" Despite his loathing toward Colton, Bruno felt a pang of sympathy.