ana

I was still weak, the physical pain a dull echo of the agony in my soul. Every breath felt like an effort, every mo

r, adjusted my pillows, and simply sat in silence when words failed me. He didn't ask about my pa

, the nurse mentioned another visitor

his face. I wanted to scream, to lash out, but I simply nodded.

ospital gown and bruised face. His eyes, though, held a flicker of

t tender. The sound made my skin crawl. "

r what, Britton? For leaving me to die? For th

never hurt you. The accident was... a terrible coi

You left me bleeding on the side of the road, Britton. You drove our car off a

as being threatened. And when you called, I heard... I heard a scream. I thought you wer

heard Baylee's giggle. And then you heard my scream as I plum

flicker of panic. "Elliana, please. We can fix this. I know th

after you destroyed my career, ruined my reputation, caused me to lose our

cking. "I... I made mistakes. I was misguided. Baylee manipulated me.

orried sick about getting caught. You were worried s

her face pale. "Elliana, Ms. Cohen is her

mother. The viper who always hated m

out in a moment." He turned back to me. "Elliana,

to tear his perfect suit. "The only calm I'l

peration. "I'll be back." He left the

the quiet of the hallway. "So, the little orphan girl

rds of glass, confirmed my wor

was it. The final act of humiliation. But I was do

unterpoint to the storm brewing outside. He

here," I whispered,

pose. "I'll arrange it." He didn't

Baylee. They had pushed me to the edge, but they had also ignited a fire. This was rock bottom. From here, th

hem pay. The divorce papers, signed years ago as a twisted symbol of trust, now felt like my only salvation. B

survival anymore. Thi

e the tremor in my hands. "And I need everything Britton