Keeley couldn't stop worrying about her friend throughout the babies' bedtime routine. Once they were asleep and she and Aaron were back downstairs, he managed to distract her with his good mood. He sighed contentedly, his arm around her on the couch.

"I can't believe they're actually a year old," he said. "We've come a long way."

Despite her stress, she smiled. They really had. Neither of them had thought they would be parents together after losing their first baby. Now they had two children, growing bigger every day, and they expected more.

She snuggled closer. "We certainly have. They're so beautiful."

"Only because they take after you," he said, kissing her hair.

"Oh, please," Keeley laughed. "Everyone says Violet looks more like you."

"Just her coloring. I'm sure she'll take after you more as she grows up."

She rolled her eyes. Aaron had been so insistent during her pregnancy that, if they had a daughter, she should look like her. She was willing to bet any resemblance would be subtle, but she didn't mind. She had hoped at least one of the twins would resemble her handsome husband.

"We'll see," she said casually. "Personally, I'm interested in seeing how much Kaleb continues to look like my brother. If you look at his baby pictures, they're practically identical."

Aaron's hold tightened. Despite her casual tone, he knew her thoughts. "No matter what, he'll be a cute kid."

"They both will."

They cuddled for a few minutes before Aaron suggested they watch a movie. Keeley agreed, on the condition that they keep cuddling. She wasn't done soaking up the love; it had been a long day.

Alice knew she shouldn't have said anything, but she couldn't help it when she felt the warmth of her friend's hug. She remained quiet throughout the party, not wanting to ruin the mood, but she had to say something at the end.

It wasn't supposed to happen this soon. Brock was taking her to court because he wouldn't agree to her simple, reasonable terms. He didn't want to lose.

Everything was scheduled, and her lawyer was confident they would win; they had a stronger case, and Brock was simply being petty. Unexpectedly, he signed the divorce papers she had served him, agreeing to return her belongings and provide appropriate alimony.

Stunned, she asked him why. He said his mistress was pregnant and he wanted to marry her immediately. Alice was an obstacle, and he was tired of dealing with her.

She shouldn't have been hurt by his words. She had always known she was unwanted. Still, being described as someone he was "tired of dealing with" was harsh.

Brock was proud and snobbish, but he preferred a quick resolution over preserving his pride. That was a low blow.

"Alice, are you alright?" Roger asked after several minutes of silence in the car.

Of course he would notice; he had been especially solicitous today. But how had he known before she'd said anything?

"No. Brock signed the divorce papers today because his mistress is pregnant and he's tired of dealing with me," she said bluntly.

Her friend was shocked. She had dropped a bombshell, delivering it with almost no emotion.

When he recovered, he said firmly, "I'm sorry he's such a jerk. He never deserved you in the first place."

Alice let out a dry laugh. She had gotten exactly what she'd been groomed for since birth. It wasn't a matter of deserving it; every woman in high society went through the same thing, though no one ever talked about it.

Men could do as they pleased, while women were expected to be pretty, smart, and cater to their husbands' careers. They were nothing more than beautiful, empty-headed tools.

"Thanks for saying that," she said. "You're a good friend." She avoided revealing her true thoughts.

"A good friend, huh?" Roger murmured quietly.

"Yeah, you're my best friend. Probably the best I've ever had."

He had been an angel since she left Brock. He took her out to eat at least twice a week, taught her to cook simple meals, and included her in his social life. She spent more time with him than anyone else.

While she strived for independence, there was a learning curve going from pampered princess to working woman. He had helped her through it.

She appreciated his help because, unlike the Hales with their children, she never felt like a bother to him. She probably depended on him too much, but how could she not? When her world fell apart, he helped her create a new one.

Roger grew quiet, which she found odd. Normally, he would be joking and offering ice cream to cheer her up. Her divorce was finalized; why did he seem gloomier than she did?

When he dropped her off, he said goodnight and offered his usual "if you need anything, call me" before driving away. Even that familiar goodbye sounded off.

For some reason, Alice felt worse seeing him leave than hearing Brock's cruel words. What was going on with Roger?

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