Allison's POV
I arrived at the Blackwood Institute early the next morning, trying to focus my mind on work rather than last night's disastrous dinner. Bellingham was already there, looking fresh despite our late evening.
"Everything alright after I left?" he asked as I set my bag down.
I knew exactly what he meant. "I'm sorry about him. He can be... difficult. Please don't take it personally."
"Not at all." Bellingham smiled, his tone casual but eyes curious. "From the way you two were speaking, it sounded like you're having problems?"
Since he'd witnessed the spectacle firsthand, there was no point hiding it. "Yes. We're getting divorced."
Bellingham nodded, unsurprised. "I wondered why you never mentioned Lily's father."
I hesitated for a moment, then decided clari
