ah said a few days later, stroking Ava' s hair in the hos

us. "But please, don't tell Ethan the details. Don't tell him about Dr.

but nodded. "If that'

ed in. He carried a large bouquet of lili

girls whispering about?" h

neutral. She managed a weak smile. He bought it, his

nosis: she' d likely never walk without help, let alone dance. Ethan played the part of the devastated boyfrien

over her. She feigned exhaustion, closing

ng man," one of them whispered to Sarah loud eno

destroyed her dreams, her body, her heart, and now he was pla

rom the New York hospital, E

ed, looking apologetic. "And he has to entertain an old family friend tonight. Chloe Vand

. Chloe Vanderbilt. The name sounded

of his lies. Six years she' d believed

It was supposed to be temporary, until Ava was "settl

g woman stood talking with Ethan. She was tal

erbilt," David said warmly. "Chlo

e but assessing. "Ava. Ethan

und Ethan's secret stash of photos and letters yet, that would come later when she packed. But Chloe Vand

lk. She glanced at Ava' s legs, covered by a blanket in the wheelchair. "A

her voice flat, meeting Chloe' s g

le ankle sprain I had as a child. He was so wonderfully protective. He even flew me here to New York himself, said there might

Inseparable as children. Eleanor and I alwa

ble. "Dad, that was ages ago. Chloe, let me get you a drink." He quickly steered Chloe a