aide

seasons change through my window. The surgery had been successful, but my body was a roadmap of Al

of course. A transaction, just like our marriage. I was hi

hushed, pitying tones when

as been here every single day...

fs from Paris because Mr. Webster

ng. The whole wing smells like a botanical gard

The pain in my heart had numbed to a dull, constant ach

was the first genuine smile I had seen in months. He didn't ask questions. He just wra

land of the living, A

"divorce party" for me at a quiet, upscale restaura

lutches of that heartless bastard!" o

promised. "One who actually has a

rmth of their friendship was a balm on my wounded spirit. The future, which h

n I returned a few minutes later, our table

ase tightened

nervous. "Ma'am... your friends... they

n? By

tammered. "He was... very drunk. He

vitations." They were commands, backed b

, my leg aching in protest. I found the ro

nd he was trying to force a glass of whiskey into Jaxon's hand, his fingers creeping unpleasantly up Jaxo

e doing?" I snapped, my

malicious glee when he saw me. "Ah, the guest of hono

ook in the scene with a single, sweeping glance, and his face darken

sharp. "What is this? I told

too long! You were talking to that boring old man for age

quickly interjected. "Mr. Taylor was finali

o a full-blown tantrum. He pointed a trembling finger at one of my female friends. "

er, his movements

d, my body a protective shield. "Stop it, Cinnam

ing halt, his drunken rage

e that cut through the t