cia

ally dragged me towards his car. "Stop it, Alicia! Don't make a scene here!" he hissed,

nd garage, the tires squealing in protest. My abdomen pulsed with renewed pain, a dull ache spreading through my lower back. I w

e. The silence was deafening, broken only by my ragged breathing and the thumping

Yes, I married Kenley." He saw the fresh wave of shock wash over my face and rushed to explain. "B

cancer? Kenley, the picture of

ed with me since high school. It was an act of... compassion. Humanity. And your parents, Alic

er. A few months, maybe. When she's gone, we'll get married. A real wedding. We'll start fresh. I

my ears grew louder, drowning out his manipulative words. "Is she dead yet?

icia! How can you say such a thing? That's cru

faked our marriage, and then blamed my parents! Now you' re expecting me to wait for your 'dying' wife to kick the bucket,

ued, my voice gaining strength. "They invested everything

e stopped himself, his eyes narrowed into angry slits. "You'v

vibrated on the car floor. I bent to pick it up, but Carter

His voice was a low growl. "Your little doctor friend? What

test. "Hello?" His voice was cold, his

"Alicia? Are you okay? I've been trying to reach you.

away from my wife, Dr. Davenport. She doesn't need your '

unpleasant. "I remember Benji. Always hovering, always looking at you like that. Did

intended. They simply confirmed his o

ss what, Alicia? Without my company, your family's investments are worthless. And your precious baby..." His eyes droppe

rage and entitlement, like something out of a nightmare. The boy I

s into Carter's startup, how proud they were of "their son-in-law." I thought of the co

ee? Now you understand. I'm telling you, Alicia, I will marry you. We will have our

he saw the caller ID. "Kenley? My love, what's wrong?" His voice, so full of ve

r into reverse. "

he pain in my stoma

e exit, practically shoving me out the door. The car sped aw

was cracked, but still working. I dialed the only number I knew wou