Violet had followed him around since she was little, like a loyal shadow. If McNeil still felt any lingering attachment to Violet, it was probably the kind of affection reserved for family.


    His father had died when he was just a child, and his mother had always been consumed by the Langford family''s fortune and her ownvish life as a wealthy woman. Madonna Nelson never showed much concern for him, either.


    The only warmth McNeil ever knew came from the asional words of care shared among his childhood friends. When Violet wasn''t ill, she could be sweet to him, too. His love for her as a brother would always remain.


    But Victoria was different. It was only with her that McNeil learned what real love and family meant. Victoria always seemed to know what he was thinking, picking up on every nce, every tiny gesture. She understood himpletely. Victoria was like his right hand-he couldn''t imagine life without her. If he was honest, he didn''t want to lose a wife like that.


    Yet, somewhere along the way, Victoria changed. Her heart drifted, no longer focused on him. Instead, she was constantly surrounded by other men, her attention elsewhere.


    In the dark, Victoria could feel McNeil''s gaze linger on her after he''d checked on their daughter. He stared so long it sent a chill down her spine. Lying on her side, one shoulder growing numb, she didn''t dare move with McNeil in the room.


    A few minutes passed. Then Victoria felt the brush of warm breath against her face, followed by the familiar scent of pine-uniquely McNeil''s. In the darkness, he kissed her forehead, then her lips.


    Victoria froze, stunned. McNeil was clearly awake; surely, he wouldn''t mistake her for Violet.


    "Good night, Mrs. Langford," he murmured.


    He lingered by the bed for a moment before quietly leaving.


    The soft click of the door closing finally let Victoria breathe again. She''d been worried he might climb into bed beside her, just like he did with Violet. The thought of him treating her the same way made her skin crawl.


    Victoria knew she had once loved McNeil. That''s why she couldn''t stand the idea of him holding her with arms that had embraced another woman.


    Six years of marriage had taught her the truth: McNeil felt nothing for her. All his love was reserved for Violet. The kiss just now—he probably did it because she happened to be lying next to their daughter, a casual goodnight kiss, nothing more.


    Ever since McNeil had abandoned her for Violet, Victoria refused to fool herself into thinking that anything he did was out of love for her.


    A woman sees most clearly when she realizes the man she loves doesn''t love her back.


    The lights in the hall went out, and the house grew quiet. Victoria finally let herself rx, closing her eyes. After so long spent on guard, exhaustion took over, and she soon drifted into a deep sleep.


    What Victoria didn''t know was that, ten minutester, McNeil returned in his pajamas and quietly slipped into Gwh''s room. Without hesitation, hey down next to Victoria and gently drew her into his arms.


    He couldn''t remember thest time he''d done this-just the three of them, together as a family. Holding Victoria close, feeling her softness, he realized how restless and sleepless he''d been these past months of arguments and silent wars. Even at the office, he''d wake in the middle of the night, only to remember he was alone.


    Now, with Victoria in his arms, he was overwhelmed by a happiness he hadn''t felt in years. And yet, for six long years, he''d had this all along...