She did not expect that answer.

She had thought that he had not cared about his identity.

His answer was unequivocal and certainly firm.

He could not accept that he was not the real Elliot Foster!

She would keep it a secret for him.

"Elliot, I was only joking." She smiled to reestablish the easy-going atmosphere.

"I think your joke is quite interesting," he said, humoring her. "Let me explain why I won't accept your theory."

Since he wanted to delve into the topic, she was all ears.

"Everything I have is everything that I have built. I did it brick by brick. My career, wealth, friends, you, and the children. Everything. If this isn't me, then it will not change anything. I will just cease caring about this identity of mine, but if I'm not who I am, then I would have lost everything a long time ago. Whether it is a partial or complete loss, I would have still lost, and I haven't lost anything."

Avery nodded after listening to him.

"Indeed. You have it all well thought out,