cup of coffee and rejoin him at the table.
“It’s uncomfortable being here,” I say, handing him the mug.
He nods and takes a sip.
“I get it,” I reassure him. I get it more than he knows.
He does his best to conceal a pained face. It’s just like sitting here with Elle. Both try to hide so much from the people who care about them the most. They’re meant for each other. I just hope that’s enough to bring them back together.
“I’m sorry that she used you like that,” he says, staring into his steaming cup.
I gulp some of my water, stamping back the anxiety bubbling to the surface.
“She didn’t use me, Zane,” I say with indignation. “I was part of it.”
“Sure,” he scoffs. Clearly, he knows this part of his wife.
“No. It was my idea. I kind of … blackmailed her.”
His eyes shift up to me now. “You don’t have to take the fall for her, Olivia.”
“I’m not. She didn’t tell this part of the story because we swore not to say anything to anyone. She kept her word.”
He watches me. Curiosity pulls his eyebrows up.
“I’m not a liar,” I tell him, but the truth settles in my bones—I’ve been lying far too long. Clearing my throat, I add, “I’m not lying about this.”
His fingers drum on the surface of his mug. “Why?”
“I have debts. I took a loan from the wrong person to pay it off, but … I needed money for IVF. I’ve been trying to get pregnant for a long time,” I sigh.
“You’re married to Travis?” he asks, seeking confirmation.
“I didn’t know that he couldn’t have kids. He’s as good at lying as Elle.” I chuckle nervously. “Better, actually.”
His clenched jaw relaxes.
“You’ve been duped too,” he says.
We are comrades.
“The difference is, I don’t think Camden—Travis—ever did it for love.” I pause, processing. “Elle did it all for love.”
His lips turn up, faintly acknowledging me. His hurt isn’t for nothing. He didn’t waste years of marriage; he had years of marriage saturated in love. That’s more than I can say.