He stroked the back of my hand with his thumb, trying to comfort me. And it worked.

"No, I wouldn't like to call it quits because your best buddy was aware of the truth. I assume you know why I prefer to keep it between the two of us. It's to keep you safe."

No doubt. I'd be regarded as a whore if people found out. No one wanted to be married to a so-called whore.

I nodded and said, "I get it." I inhaled deeply before dialing Lory's number.

She responded right away.

"Where in the world are you? Why haven't you given me a call? What is happening?...