*Noah's POV*
The weight of Ivan's question sits heavy in the air between us. He's looking at me with such genuine hope, such innocent trust, and I feel like I'm going to be sick.
"I think," I say carefully, "that marriage is complicated."
"That's not really an answer." Ivan laughs, but his eyes stay serious. "Come on, Noah. You've always been straight with me."
Scarlett's hand finds mine under the table. She squeezes gently, sensing my discomfort even if she doesn't understand its source.
"Maybe you should ask Mia directly. No deflection, no distractions. Just an honest conversation about what you both want."
"You're right." Ivan nods decisively. "I should go home tonight and have that talk. No more putting it off."
My stomach churns. I think about Mia, about her affairs, about the web of deception that Ivan doesn't even know exists. He deserves better than this. He deserves the truth.
But do I have the right to destroy his happiness?
