of her mother's chest. The monitor beeped with a steady, reassuring cadence. The massiv

ntgomery, the patient's vitals have stabilized beautifully. In fact, n

dismissively, and the doctors immediatel

anged. It beat slightly faster. Through the glass, Chloe sa

h. She didn't wait for permission. She shoved

grasping Sarah's pale, frail fingers. Tears spilled over her ey

ked out. "Mom, c

eyes darted around the unfamiliar, luxurious room before finally set

ry and raspy. She squeezed Chloe's hand weakly.

ard, her brain scrambling for a lie. "It's... it's a charity p

sharp. She looked at Chloe's bruised, dirty state, the panic in her eyes.

d. If her mother saw Julian's face-the horrific scars, the terrif

ed, standing up quickly to block her mother'

e of the hospit

nd, her arms instinctively raising t

or swu

all, broad-shouldered, and dressed i

him, her brain s

s skin was smooth and unblemished. There was not a single scar on his face.

ack, totally bewild

man look

. The intense, suffocating pressure that radiate

and flying to her c

licone blended seamlessly into his hairline and ne

confident strides. A warm, incredibly ch

out, lacing his long fingers through he

smooth and gentle, entirely devoid of

lian said softly. "I'm Julian. Chloe's husband

thy man holding her daughter's hand, and then looked at Chloe. Th

ars pooling in her eyes. She r

ook it, holding it w

ck of Sarah's hand. "We wanted to wait until you were better

relief. "Thank you. Thank yo

s free arm around her waist, pulling her flush against hi

ressed a soft, lingering

ered, so quietly that only she could h

corners of her mouth up, stretching her lips into a painful, trem