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“So did you. He’s been the love of your life from the moment you mentioned your broken heart during your first-round training. The fact you worked for Solon had nothing to do with why you married him.”

“I guess that all depends on how one views things.”

I glanced behind me to the windows that lined the side wall of the Oval Office. Ashur stood there watching me. We held gazes for a few moments before he said something to someone and walked away.

My heart shattered.

And it ends. As of this moment, I’d live the life Ashur’s parents lived. In public as a couple, but in private as strangers. The dream of having what Mummy and Dad had was no longer possible.

At least I’d have my babies. I rubbed the small swell of my belly.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, I waited for security to open the helicopter door so I could board, but instead the propellers slowed.

“What’s going on?” I asked Casey, who looked as confused as I was.

“Let me see. You stay right here with Joel while I figure out what’s going on.” Casey walked toward the security building.

At that moment, two of Ashur’s security approached me.

“Mrs. Kumar. Please come with us.”

“Why?” I folded my arms. “I have a government plane waiting for me and the longer you delay me, the more it will cost the taxpayers.”

The two men looked at each other as if they were scared of me.

“Please, ma’am. This is a direct order from the president.”

An order. What the fuck could we have left to say?

“Is that right?” I glared at the agents who took a step away from me. “Fine, lead the way.”

I stomped behind them until we reached Ashur’s office.

The second the door opened, I stalked toward him, letting anger fill me instead of the sadness and tears floating under the surface of my composure. “What do you want? I’m exhausted and just want to go home.”

“This is your home.”

“No. My home is in Seattle.”

“You sold your house, remember?”

“I’m going to stay in the lake house I had built for my parents. They won’t mind me staying there.”

“I don’t want you to go.” He searched my face. “Stay, Tara.”

“Why? I don’t fit here.” I gestured to the area around us. “I don’t have a purpose here. Give me one good reason why I should stay.”

He grabbed my hand in his as I tried to poke him in the chest.

“Because you love me.”

I tried to pull my hand away but his grip tightened.

“It’s not enough.”

“What about the fact I love you?”

I kept quiet.