Verity kinda wishes Viatorus did hate her right now. It would make protecting him so much easier. But she loves that he's not the sort of person to hate people.

"I have a lot of experience in not doing what I needed to to improve myself and my life. You know where it got me? An apartment in the Upper East that I was too scared to let anyone into. Just into the apartment, nevermind my life. It's a lousy way to live. But right now, you have a choice. You can choose to be happy, or you can choose to be alone. It's up to you."

She returns her attention to her long-neglected cornbread while Amelia thinks about it. Again, no rush.