His Betrayal, Her Bitter Freedom

was the only surgeon in the country who could perform the life-saving surge

e left my mother to die on the table for a "personal

his power to have me declared mentally unstable, bribing doctors and h

realized he had taken everything. My mother, my freedom, my name.

nto the national medical awards gala where he was being celebrate

pte

gain. These social gatherings used to be a highlight, a chance to show off the perfe

dripped light onto polished marble. My hand rested lightly on Braden' s a

s drifte

eli

was sharper than her diamond earrings, leaned in. "Braden and Angelina, such a histor

my stomach. Old news

ends," I said, my voi

Grace, so forgiving. After everything, to take him back. Some might say it'

t up. Not because he was ashamed of the affair, but because he

s face. "Grace is the most understanding woman

y arm. A silent plea

ing. "Some might," I agreed, my voice light.

off guard. She stammered a p

zed my arm. "Grace, you really handled

ering. "What's there to handle

for the usual hurt, the familiar anger that woul

murmured, a hint of a

leep after his first betrayal, the one who tried to claw back scraps of affection, was dead. S

. Never again. The first time, I walked away with nothing but my pride. Thi

t?" Braden asked

ing innocence. "Coming tonigh

rated sound. "Us.

. "Regret is a strong word, Brade

ned. "You're b

a tiny, almost im

"You used to fight. You used to

d, my voice barely a whisper. "You taught m

back, pulling his arm from mine. "That's n

. Your 'childhood friend,' your 'sister,' the one whose family 'spon

ctly coiffed hair. "It's differ

ve suit, his confident posture, his celebrated career. All built, in part, on the fo

cies" that pulled him away from me, always to her side. The way she'd leave her sc

the sheets, a sickly sweet perfume of betrayal. That was th

m to keep it all. The house, the cars, the money. I just wanted

llness, Braden' s unique skill. It had a

ring red dress, burst in, flanked by two giggling women. One of t

aden' s ex-wife, now his re-wife! How scandalous!" Sh

... well. A little pale, perhaps. But well."

for Braden. Too... demanding. He needed someone softer, you know? Someone

It was a muscle memory of pain, a phantom limb of my

e leaving now," I announced, my voice

tartled. "N

said, a hand pressed delicately t

offered, a hint of relief in hi

my own ride." I didn't want to owe

ngelina's smirk, from the blon

t come home. He never di

re at the phone, waiting for a call that wouldn't come. I simply turned over and