"How's she doing, mom?"

"Oh, wonderful. Bought her these blocks and the tike's learned to stack already."

In the background Eleanor could be heard giggling. My little girl. So much was occuring and she just had no idea. No matter.

Diedre would not get her pound of flesh. My daughter would remain with actual loving people that cared about her well-being.

As much as I still loved Hero... She wouldn't thrive there. Especially not around his abusive grandmother. There. I said it. Abuse. God.

"Good. Do me a favor and keep her there. Update dad on what's happening. Need to check in at work and tie some loose ends."

"Kristina. Honey. Be careful. Please. Just want you to know..."

The woman trailed off, leaving me in suspense. What is it, what is it?

"Yeah?"

"When we spoke and I said that couples got through rough patches... If I'd known his behavior went to this extent..."

"Yes, but you didn't and only tried to help. But it's over with and we need to move forward with Billy."

Momentary silence passed before she continued.

"It is. Just realize that I'm proud of you. Don't do anything stupid. Pretty sure I made several mistakes in my youth."

Once our tense call ended, her cautionary words rang true: Don't do anything stupid. Well, this was probably worse.

Later when I made sure all was well at the corporation and had one awkward conversation with Evelyn about divorce, I made my way out the door only to be halted by...

Ugh. Cole. No. Not today. Not right now. There were places to be. Interesting that Eli wasn't with him. Then again the men weren't ever really that close.

Unless it concerned me.

"Hey. Thank you for holding down the place while I left. Much appreciated. If you'll excuse me-"

Before I could rush away, he commanded attention with one word:

"Stop."

Huh. Swiveling around I speared him with a look only to freeze. He appeared different- more determined and callous than ever.

"Cole, please. We need to talk-"

"We do. Yes. About where we stand. Can't handle rejection anymore. Now that he's out of the picture."

Oh. Not this. We had a fling for a moment but that was all it had been. A freaking fling.

"I can't do this, Cole. I have a daughter to look after. If you haven't heard, my husband is trying to steal her away. For custody."

He frowned, sticking both hands in his pockets.

"Ex-husband. Look. Absolutely no disrespect but just listen. I love you. Have come to terms with that. If you stay with me, I will use all the money in the world to protect you both. You're everything in the world that seems right. Can't let you go."

Shit. Was I really considering this. No. It was the constant loneliness. Had to be. But he was so sweet when it countered.

As if sensing my lowered walls, he surged, holding us close.

"Know you loved me once. It was there."

I cried. Not because the man hurt my feelings. But because I felt so weak and just needed reassurance. He offered that. He-

Oh no. Truly fucking me in the ass one last time, the universe materialized Hero Tiffin. Utterly miserable and drunk and... Beyond pissed.

The man I once loved didn't even need to say it...

Cole Sprouse was a dead guy.