I took a deep breath, looking up at him:

"I know this is Hailey's cunning scheme. She's trying to make life difficult for us, to keep us unhinged. I understand that. But why? Why is she doing this? And why are you permitting her actions? Afraid of her? Compromising for her sake? Kent, what are you hiding from me? Can't you tell me so that I may share your burden?"

He didn't answer my question. Instead, he just held me tighter, "Please, don't overthink this. I'll handle this matter as swiftly as I can. Don't worry."

He cradled my face, carefully kissing away my tears, then looked at me earnestly....