TWELVE

        The tension did not vanish until both mother and son left the dinning room and ascended the staircase. Adelynn knew that her husband was seething not just because of what her mother in law had almost told her. Once mother and son were in Dominic's study, Charlotte spoke.

"I know you don't want her to know about your past. But, she is your wife. She has to know. You don't want her to find out about it through someone else, do you?" She asked and Dominic ran his fingers through his hair, a tortured look in his eyes.

"I know I'll have to tell her. But, I'll do that when I'm ready" he stated.

"You look stressed. Did anything happen at the office?" His mother asked with a slight frown on her face. "I'm fine"

"You're doing that thing again" she said, her voice soft. "Doing what thing?"

"Saying the opposite of what you feel?"

Dominic turned away from his mother, but she could still sense how troubled he was. He wished he could let h