Trying on the Wedding Dress

"Sophia!" Hartwell shouted, gave Ava a cold glance, and then hurried after his daughter.

The little garden fell silent once again. Ava opened her arms and silently embraced Liam. Emotions surged in her chest, and a lump rose in her throat. She buried her face in his chest, and the tears finally overflowed.

At this moment, her heart was full of reluctance. She didn't want to leave him, didn't want a divorce. She held his waist tightly, but felt an overwhelming sense of powerlessness.

Feeling the dampness on his shirt, Liam gently lifted her delicate chin. "Are you crying?"

Ava said nothing, her eyes red-rimmed, and buried her face back in his chest.

"Don't cry. If you cry too much, your eyes will swell." His voice was low and coaxing, tender and patient.

Ava's throat tightened. "Why are you so good to me?"