Week two brought a new complication.
Saskia showed up unannounced, dragging Liora out for coffee despite her protests.
"You look terrible," Saskia said bluntly once they were seated at a quiet café. "Have you slept at all?"
"Pregnancy insomnia."
"Bullshit. What happened?"
Liora sighed. There was no point lying to Saskia. "Fiammetta found out. About everything."
"Oh shit."
"She gave me an ultimatum. Choose Leander or leave entirely. So I chose Leander."
"And Dashiell?"
"Is respecting my decision. We're keeping our distance."
Saskia studied her friend's face. "Then why do you look like someone died?"
"Because it feels like something did." Liora's voice cracked. "I did the right thing. I know I did. But it hurts so much, Saskia. Missing him. Wanting him. Knowing I can't—"
"Oh hone
