Page 119 of What Doesn't Kill You…

"What about Noah and Annabelle?" Katrina asked. "They can't move to Canada. She might be getting better, and it's wonderful she's made it as far as Atlantic City to see Noah's family, but her agoraphobia won't let her leave the country. Not yet."

"Noah's talking about moving to Atlantic City permanently," Rochelle said, drawing more gasps. "He wants to see how this visit goes first."

Rodrigo nodded. "He's got a family, and with the baby on the way, he wants to be close to relatives. It makes sense."

"Also, I think he'd like a safer job," Rochelle said with a touch of sadness. "He mentioned going back to the police."

Rodrigo chuckled. "Says a lot when being a cop is an easier option than working for Benson Security.” He cocked an eyebrow at Rochelle. “Is Canada a possibility?" he asked.

"That depends on the owners of Benson Security," Rochelle said. "But I think we also need to bear in mind that this isn’t just a business decision for Violet."

“Why?” Evan said. “She can move to Canada without staying married, can’t she?”

“Hush yourself,” Rosey snapped. “Don’t speak about things you know nothing about and clearly don’t understand.”

Evan turned red. “Sorry, Mrs. Lee,” he said.

There was a heavy silence as everyone looked at Violet.

She didn't like it at all and frowned back. "What?" she demanded.

Max angled himself toward her, his heart racing. “Maybe we should talk in private,” he started.

“You will not.” It was his turn to feel Rosey’s wrath. “We won’t have you two going off and screwing this up on your own. It’s clear you need adult supervision when it comes to your relationship. Plus,” she sniffed, “we’re just as invested in your marriage as you are.”

Max doubted that, but he also didn’t think they would be allowed to leave the room. Not when Violet’s family were so intent on them staying right where they were.

"Then I guess we’re doing this here,” Max said, turning to Violet who glared at him.

“Don’t let them bully you,” she said. “This is between us.” She got out of the sofa.

Lian spoke up. “Violet Lee, you sit down right now. Your family has a right to hear this.”

For a second, Max thought Violet would argue. But after an intense staring competition with her grandmother, she sat back down.

“Proceed,” Lian said, giving them permission to discuss their own personal relationship.

If the situation hadn’t been so intense, it would have been funny.

Once again, Max faced Violet. “I already told you this marriage is real for me," he said.

Her mother gasped and Jasmine started to cry. Well, that didn’t take long. He glanced at Harvey who shrugged before putting an arm around his wife.

Violet stared at Max, her expression unreadable. It was clear she wasn’t going to make this easy on him. He probably deserved that.

"I love you, Violet," he said.

"Thank you, Lord," Rosey declared, making everyone laugh.

Max took Violet’s hands in his. "Please come to Canada with me."

Violet glanced at Rochelle who held up her hands. "This has nothing to do with the Benson Security office. This is between you two. I'll talk to Lake about Canada as an option, but only you can decide what you're doing with him."

Slowly, she turned her attention back to Max. Dark eyes examined him, seeing past his bruises and bravado. Seeing straight into his soul. He waited, his life in her hands. Knowing that if she said no, he'd carry on, but he'd do it as half a man without her. It was up to her. He'd made his decision.

She was it for him.

"Violet," her mother prompted. "What are you going to do?"