Ian walked back to his table, dazed by all that had gone wrong. He relived his discussion with Abigail’s father, trying to determine why he had lost her. Could such a simple communication, either misunderstood or purposely misstated, destroy two lives? If intentional, it had served its purpose, leaving two lovers so heartbroken neither approached the other to verify fact from fiction.
“You’re not looking well, lad,” Patrick said as he eyed his son with concern.
Ian sat down and sipped his wine. “I exposed a web of deceit.”
Patrick watched him closely, wondering what had happened. “It’s too late to look back,” he advised. “She’s moved on and so should you.”
“There’s more than you or I had ever known.”
Patrick wanted to console him. “I’m willing to hear it.”
“She never said she didn’t
