Chapter 121: Shared Burdens of a Scandal

Carter led Ariana out of the plane and towards the suv that was waiting for them. She sighed as he opened the door for her and shut the door once she was settled. He walked around to the other side, reaching into his pocket to feel for his phone.

He grabbed the door handle and yanked it open to climb inside while Jameson loaded in their luggage. He caught Ariana's concerned gaze that was busily shooting between his phone and his eyes.

"I'm not going to show you any of it. I just want to see what we're walking into, baby." Carter sighed and took her left hand to kiss it after he got situated beside her.

He felt her hand tremble in his and warmly smiled at her. He rubbed her empty ring finger and heard her gasp back a sob. Carter wrapped his arm around her and brought her face against his chest, letting her silently fall apart. He brought her hand to his lips and continued to kiss it, trying to calm her down the best he could.