ces. Sophia's grip on my arm was firm, her nails digging into my sleeve. Dani

as too much. My vision swam. My legs gave out. I col

as Sophia's panicked cry, "

ckeningly familiar. A thin blanket was pulled up to my chin. My head

as awake. I kept my breathin

were in the room,

ruel satisfaction in his voice. "He looked like

no real concern in her tone, only strategic calculation. "P

lity," he countered. "You saw how you looked, rushing to his rescue. The loyal wife

them standing there, look

her voice tight with anxiety. "He knows, Dani

at straws, probably had a breakdown and invented some conspiracy theory. We stick to the plan. We act concerned. We te

t just content with destroying my life. They were p

e real, though,

ent. We'll have him grant us power of attorney. This is a good thing, Sophia. It sp

eaked open.

she asked, he

tly transforming into one of warm maternal care. "He had a

on my forehead. Lil

o pale," sh

reassuring. "Your mother and I will take care

kiss. Not for me. For Sophia. From Daniel. R

omplete, so casual. They stood over my unconscious body, planning the

n still, to breathe deeply and evenly. My anger was a liability now. I needed a clear head. Dan

e what they w

was disoriented and weak. Sophia was by my

. You're awake. You g

my eyes blank.

a, the stress... it was all too much. The doctor said you'r

. "Ethan, I am so, so sorry. I never should have played that video. It

ner, chewing on her thumbn

breath. "I just... want

. "As soon as the doctor says yo

me from magazines. Daniel brought me flowers and expensive chocolates, regaling me with cheerful, empty stories about the

ors perform a play of love and concern. Every gentle touch felt like

niel's scar. The empty look in Lily's eyes. The mocking laughter in the ballroom.

nt pressure behind my eyes, a hollownes

ophia came in early, a

ng the blinds. Sunlight streamed in, hurting m

. I didn't flinch. I didn't react a

would become a ghost in my own life, a passive observer. I would le

id. "Daniel is waiting downstairs to drive

the room, leavi

uld want to gloat, to have one last moment

ait

. He closed the door behind him, a predator's smil

o of us," he

e for the