Assured.

Alexander shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling the tension between them growing with each passing moment. "I know you're angry with me, and I understand why. But I want you to know that I care about you and I don't want to lose you."

Kate finally turned her head to look at him, her expression softening slightly. "You've been spending a lot of time with Ava since we came here. It makes me feel like I'm not important to you."

Alexander reached out to take Kate's hand, but she quickly pulled it away. "Kate, I promise you that you're still the most important person in my life. Ava is just a friend, nothing more."

Kate sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I want to believe you, Alexander. But I need time to process everything that's been going on for minutes now."

Alexander nodded understandingly. "I get it. Take all the time you need. I'll be here when you're ready to talk."

As the anniversary celebration came to an end, the guests began to leave the venue. Alexander and K