m was dim, the only light coming from the hallway. My arm was bandaged, and my head ached. I had somehow

body protesting with a chorus of aches. Just

erfectly fine, my love," Alex's voice w

, her voice saccharine sweet. "Th

He was so focused on her, he didn't even glance into the other rooms. The sight of it di

vived the ordeal, buzzed on the

up. Are you alright?" His v

own voice raspy. "There

gala," he said. "Alex is

ayed with him for so long. It was a debt. His mother saved my life once, a long time

ther end. "I understand," he said fina

en. Alex and Emily stood there. Emi

my side, a picture of false sympathy. She was carrying

led, spilling the scalding liquid all over my al

" she cried out, clutching her

y reddened skin with frantic concern. "Are you okay? Let me see." He then glared at me, his

han any tears or anger could. For the first time, a flicker of unease crossed his face.

paused and spoke to a passing nurse. "Send a tube of burn cream to this room." It was a smal

h shopping trips with Alex, of expensive dinners, and of them looking at a new mansion. Then, she posted a photo of herself in a hig

rything, I felt a strange sense of finality. I picked u

both eterna

ly. It was Alex. I let it ri