Roman adjusted his cufflinks and realised, not for the first time that morning, that none of this felt like a Thorne victory.

Everything he was celebrating today was his. The money. The hotel. The marriage that had kept him stable longer than he’d realised.

Tessa crept up to him, planting a kiss on his back.

“Hey.” She whispered. “How are you feeling?”

“Ready.” He replied. “Can’t believe this is actually happening though.”

“Well, you should. You’ve done this already before. And you’re doing it again. I believe it. And so should you.” She smiled.

Roman nodded. He stepped back, his eyes scanning her. She looked perfect in her red floral...