te hospital room. The smell of antise

mask of concern for the doctors, but for me, it was pu

ld keep this life?" she whispered, her voice a venomous hiss m

monitor

d. My eyes flew open. The air wasn't sterile; it smelled of Le

t it hurt. "Chloe, baby, did you hear that? We'r

m my past, smiled warmly. "Everything looks p

with cold indifference. I looked down at my flat stomach. It was real. I was

would write

ouncing off the walls, phone in hand. "I have to ca

rby, her expression one of practiced loyalty. "O

ce quiet but firm. I

owed with confusion. "But why n

them in person. Make it special." I placed a hand on my stomach.

tely, his ambition momentarily replaced

anding silently in the corner, pretending to organize my schedule. In my

r tonight. And with me needing to rest... maybe Tiffany could help you out? She' s so org

having a sharp, pretty assistant by his side was a st

ys thinking of me." He turned to Tiffany, his tone shifting fro

er of ambition sparking within t

suspicion and pride for her niece. She

tunity. The first chess piece was on the board. This time, Jessica wouldn't be