The Doctor, The Husband, The Lie

and bandaged, because Hudson had "arranged" for m

lute. My well-being

hany' s engagement party. A celebration

for me. A necklace, delicate and sparkling,

any' s. Her old clothes, her cast-off

from my arm, her movements gentle, almost a

ecking his watch. "Are you r

e, his focus already o

wards the waiting car. A jolt of pain s

of crimson staining the white bandage beneat

scream trapped within. My h

nd estate was a majestic sweep of marble s

e, a fleeting flicker

nt, cut through the air. She stood at the

venomous smile playing on her lip

and searing, flooded through me. Tea

rd, he turned, sweeping Bethany into his arms. He carr

lips. A sound devoid of jo

gradations. The way he' d dismissed my dreams,

gmental, reached my ears. "Poor thing,"

weak, still trembling, began to move. One painful step aft

of compassion. But he was gone,

the bottom, a twisted wreck. So

, a broken heap, hot t

g me to a secluded table. I was a

kling chandeliers, expensive champagne

Bethany with three gifts. Each on

amily heirloom. The one he had promise

rue love, passed down only to the m

that startled the few guests nearby. It

f irritation in her eyes. She thou