The Fiancée's Grand Design

blur of pain a

rk contrast to the scent of salt and flowers on the jet. My body was a lan

But they couldn't save t

in, his face a carefully constructed mask of concern. He was holding a bouqu

soft. "Thank God you're

hought I knew was gone. In his pl

art in his hand. He had a kind fac

rk asked, playing the pa

tant. "Physically, she'll recover. But the...

houlder, leading him just outside

oice was low, urgen

A procedure to remove tissue from the uteru

ry," Dr. Smith's voice was uneasy. "The

commanding. "I want to ensure there are no... complications down the road. For her h

possible trace of the pregnancy. Any proof that could t

almost hear the gears of his conscience g

ctor finally conceded. "For her long-ter

He sat on the edge of my bed, reac

licker of irritation crossed his

th false sympathy. "What happened on that plane... it was a n

ice. It was h

pushe

the air between us

decision. They were going for Chloe. I reacted. It was chaos. I ne

with such sincerity, I might have believed him if

changing the subject. "Just to make sure you're okay. To clean e

as if they were a project to be

ey were going to come for me. They were going to viol

" I

. "Ava, it's for the b

I tried to sit up, to push myself away

ed the room. They didn't have the gentle ai

losing its gentle edge. It was the same cold, ruthless

aused, turning back to me. His eyes were

plained everything. "She's fragile. You

. Because I was strong, I was expected to endure hi

hausted. They held me down with practiced efficiency. I felt a prick in my arm

with Mark one last time. He watched, his express

of the evidence. He was p

h perfect clarity. This wasn't the end. The love was gone. The tr

ly etching it deeper into my soul. A debt was owed.