a

u're staying. This is your home now." He shot me a venomous look, as if my very presence was an offense. His loyalty,

i had kicked me. But the physical pain was a distant hum compared to the searing fire of betrayal in my

m. "And you won't stop me." I started towards the front

eyes blazing with a cold fury. "Where do you think you're going, Ava? You'r

e no right to keep me here! Our marriage is annulled, remember?

st my cheek. "You think it's that easy? You think you can just walk away after everything? After what you did to Kimberli? Afte

triumphant smirk, and shoved me into his waiting car. The door slamme

handle, but it was locked. My phone was gone. I was utterly at his mercy. My he

ather had died, where I had been confined. My blood ran co

trance. Nurses and doctors glanced at us, then quickly looked away, their faces etched with a str

As soon as we entered, they locked it behind us. Chris pushed me onto a gurney, strappin

against the bonds, a fresh wave of panic w

actions." He nodded to a nurse, who approached with a large syringe. "You attacked Kimberli. You're hys

y father's locket to torment me!" I screamed, my vo

pointment on his face. "All lies. You've always been so prone to d

le gleamed under the harsh fluorescent lights. "This will just help

y, but the restraints held me fast. The needle pierced my skin, a

been through a lot. You' re stressed. You need to recover. And Kimberli needs a health

ing about?" The words felt thick and sluggish on my ton

ing. For a new program. A very important project." He smiled, a chillingly

ce of my life draining away. My vision blurred. I felt lightheade

r voice trembling, looking at the she

s voice firm. "Another fi

I heard Chris's voice, distant and distorted. "And make sure the house is thoroughly cleaned. All Ava's things. Burn them. Every las

l of it, erased. I fought against the darkness, a des

empty shell, weak and shivering. My mouth was dry, my head s

a voice said. "Is th

And besides, her blood type is perfect. We wouldn't want to waste it, would we?" Her

ed onto the word. "Donor for what?"

st poetic justice?" She held up a small, clear bag. Inside, nestled among other items, was a tiny, gold locket. My locket. "And look," she purred, "your father's locket. A little keepsake fr

as a tidal wave of horror, drowning me in abject despair. This was a nightmare from which there was no escape. Kimberli leaned in, her

erli's triumphant face merged with the ghostly image of my father, his eyes sad,