a Bon

e in my mouth. I knew then, as I lay bleeding in the snow, that

deep, a forgotten ghost beneath the thick blanket of snow and my own despair. I knew she was lying, weaving her tale of woe, playing the victim. When Gabriel f

abandoned. Gabriel, in his early kindness, had been my anchor. He had kept the loneliness at bay. I had agreed to this ski trip, this foolish ven

the constant threat of unseen predators – it all came rushing back, a torrent of terror a

ana!" Gabriel roared, his face livid. "Apologize to Candace right now! If her

e fresh blood a stark contrast against the pristine white gown. Gabriel' s eyes, still locked in fury, finally registered the fresh blood. His face bl

ersonally check on her every day. The nurses, they can attest to it! But she's been so difficult, so uncooperative with her treatment, always trying

riana?" he thundered, his voice shaking the room. "Are you sabotaging your own recovery? What is

t know Cory had been selling the expensive medication Gabriel ordered for me, keeping me in agony for his own sick amusement. I looke

I allowed myself a faint, humorless smile. It didn' t matter what

hat he had spoiled her, that his kindness had somehow twisted her into this difficult, self-destructive person. He believed she was hurting herself, refusing treatment,

sly, her voice soft and persuasive. "Perhaps," she began, "it's time to... break the enga

ted to scare her, not abandon her. Just the thought of her, alone and injured, without his protection, made his stomach churn with a strange, possessive guilt. He pictured the diamond ring he had given her, the w

d by a fragile smile. She swayed slightly, feigning dizziness

ace!" he cried, his voice thick with concern. He rushed her to the n