Fitz knew he wasn't hearing things. Someone was downstairs. He slowly walked down the steps. The light was on in his study. Now this was a surprise. Karen was sitting in his chair facing the window. His scotch was half empty. She turned around to refill her glass.

"I wasn't expecting you to be in here."

"Here I am."

"What are you doing here?"

"Drink with me."

"No. Why are you here Karen?"

"You're not the only person with too many issues. I'm sure you know that already."

"You're on a dangerous road. Alcohol won't fix your problems."

"Everybody hates Karen. Why does everybody hate me?"

"I don't hate you."

"Do you know mom invited me to her house for dinner?"

"No."

"I thought she wanted to hangout, but she wanted information about you and Olivia."

"Why is she asking about me?"

Karen laughed, "Isn't it obvious? You both want to outdo each other. That's why she married before you. She needed something to brag about. I hate being in the middle of it."

"You came here to complain about Mellie?"

"No, I'm here because I can't get alcohol anywhere else."

"You don't like hard liquor."

"I don't have anything else. Tonight, it's all scotch."

"Karen, do you want to see a therapist? We can go together."

"Yeah, I think we should."

Fitz took the bottle off the table. "Last call was two hours ago. You should get some sleep."

"You're right. Thanks for caring."

"I will always care about you."

"Is Olivia here?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because she doesn't want to be here."

"So you two are really married?"

"Yes, and there's something you should know. Olivia was on her way here the day of the accident. She wanted to celebrate with you."

"I know that."

"You owe her an apology. I still don't understand why you tried to sabotage my inheritance."

"I was upset that you fell in love with her. It was supposed to be our money. I really didn't think she was going to go to Vermont. I'm still surprised you're married to her. Do you really love her?"

"Liv is the love of my life, and there is enough money for Olivia and Mila. They're part of our family."

"How can you feel that way after only really knowing her a month?"

"I've always been attracted to Olivia. There is something about her needing me. I want to always be by her side."

"I am slowly starting to accept them. Why isn't she here? You're newlyweds."

"I don't know why she's not here. Olivia will call. We are married. She has to call for something."

XXXX

"It's from Fitz, and it's for me."

"He sent you a present?"

It was one month since their trip to Vermont, and Olivia still hadn't heard anything from Fitz. He was sending Mila presents, but nothing for his wife. She put on a smile to not show her jealousy. She appreciated the space in the beginning but now she was wondering if he still cared about her. He hadn't called to ask if she had any appointments with her doctor or even give her updates about the office. It was like he completely erased her from his life when she wouldn't have sex. Was that all he wanted? Is that why he didn't call to make sure that she made it home okay?

"What is this paperwork?" Mila asked, opening the delivery box.

"Give it here."

Fitz had to be still thinking about her. Why else would he open a bank account for Mila? "He's giving you $4,000 every month."

"What?!"

"It's contingent on you making the Chancellor's list every semester and not getting any complaints from me about your behavior."

"Wow. He's giving me that much money every month?"

"Yes, this is your account number. The card will be here in a few days."

Mila was so excited, she almost didn't notice the small card in the envelope. "There's more. It's a card. It says. Mila, I hope this small gift makes you smile."

"That's very nice."

"Why didn't he get you anything?"

"He's giving me space."

"How much space do you need? It's been a whole month since your weekend in Vermont."

"I don't want to call him or show up at his house looking desperate. I'll wait for him."

"Maybe he's thinking the same thing about you. I think you two are behaving more like two people waiting for a second date than a married couple."

"I'm not chasing him."

"Okay. It's your marriage. I'll stay out of it."