which I knew was just a way for them to make the problem go away without admitting fault. When they final

get my few remaining things. As I fumbled for the k

in a flash of whi

ser was the only warning I got before agony erupted across my body. Blow after blow

d devoid of any charm. "This is just a start. She needs

and something was dumped in. Dozens of sma

s. Tar

sound came out. It was my deepest, most irr

. I felt myself being lifted,

eight of the bag dragged me down, the water filling my lun

umped onto muddy ground. The bag was ripped from my hea

a hospital. A

f pity and impatience. "Your bill is overdue. If you don

protest, and shuffled towards the billing office.

n and

k in my pathetic state-the torn hospital gown, the fresh bruises blo

s brow furrowing. "Wha

es burning with a hatred so

," Adrian said, gesturing betw

ish smile. "Nice to meet you

ysterical sound that was more sob than mirt

snapped. "And stay away from As

d out of a nearby room. "Mr. Hoff

t, rushing to Ashley's side

formalizing the transfer my father had arranged. "Dr. Goodwin, your fl

t go back to my room. I didn

to the airport. As the plane lifted off the runway, leaving the city lights twink

finall