After She She Stopped Loving Him

Yolanda was unfazed. She pulled out her phone and acted like she was dialing the police.

Henry’s eyes went wide with panic. “You bitch! What the hell are you doing?” he shouted.

Gamblers like him were terrified of cops. He’d only come after Megan because he owed a mountain of debt.

He shoved past the guards and locked eyes with Yolanda, his gaze wild and menacing. “Just you wait,” he snarled. “You’ll regret this.” Then he spun and stormed off.

Yolanda pressed her lips together and tucked her phone away. She hadn’t called the police. When it came to studio, she preferred to handle things quietly.

She took a deep breath and turned to the doctor. “How is Megan?”

“Out of the woods. She just needs rest–lots of it,” the doctor replied.

Yolanda nodded. Just then, the ER doors slid open, and Megan was wheeled out toward a room downstairs.

Yolanda followed, sitting by the bed.

Ten long minutes later, Ian stepped in and held out a can of bruise spray.

Yolanda paused for a moment and then took it. “Thanks. Listen, with Megan out, I’ll go with you to sign the contract tomorrow morning. After that, you’ll head to set. You’re a great actor -I’ll find more roles for you.”

“Got it,” Ian whispered, his gaze sticking to her. She looked fragile, like she might break, but her eyes were bright, sharp with resolve.

Since the doctor said Megan wouldn’t rouse until morning, Yolanda stood up and said to Ian, “Let’s head back. Work comes first.”

Just as they stepped outside the hospital, Yolanda clutched her stomach and doubled over, fighting the urge to puke.

Ian hesitated for a moment. “I’ll drive you home.”

Sweat beaded on Yolanda’s forehead. She managed a weak smile. “No, it’s fine. Go rest when you get back. Wait-”

Before she could finish, a gust of wind whipped by.

11:32 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 16

“Bitch, you

:

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call the cops on me?” Henry roared,

to block, but suddenly

caught the stick mid–swing and kicked

“You two will regret this!” he snarled, staggering to his

darted over, grabbing Ian’s hand.

his hand carefully, saw no marks, and let out a relieved

twitched.

gaze lingered on his wrist–firm, steady, a hint of the strength under his good looks. She pulled her hand back. “Studio at nine tomorrow. See you

that, she flagged a cab and climbed in, leaning back once the door shut. Her face was pale, nausea coiling in her stomach, and her ankle throbbed

As she stepped out, a sick feeling settled over her. Still, she dragged herself forward and unlocked the

hall lights were on. Charles sat on the couch, the air

knifed through her

living room, Charles was still on

got, the quieter he got. She stayed where she was, waiting

set his papers down. “Tough week?” he asked. “Is that why you’re so

froze, her

on his every word, he never gave me a second thought. Now that I’ve let go and pulled back, suddenly he cares. Guess guys only want women who beg

pale. She grabbed the banister and started up the

back and finally said, “Yolanda, you

11:32 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 16

her voice stayed calm. “I already told you–I’m

you wanted

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55 vouchers

on the stair rail, the cold metal seeping into her

who you’re waiting for,” she smiled icily. “I was stupid to think that after all these years, you might

rigid back, a faint sigh escaping. “How many

arm around her waist. Only then did he notice that her

spoke softly, “The baby can’t stay. I’ll take you to the clinic tomorrow. I’ll make it right. Just

loving Charles too much–too openly –so no one believed she’d ever walk away.

nothing she

subtle smile and gently pushed a stray lock of hair behind her

and apologize,” he said softly. “Yolanda–you’re wife material. Don’t make me sorry