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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55 vouchers

on me?” Henry roared, swinging a stick

out to block, but suddenly a shadow

caught the stick mid–swing and

up blood, his face pale. “You two will regret this!”

grabbing Ian’s hand. “You okay? Did he hurt

out a relieved sigh.

fingers twitched. He

strength under his good looks. She pulled her hand back. “Studio

climbed in, leaning back once the door shut. Her face

a sick feeling settled over her. Still, she dragged herself

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

entryway. As she bent down, a sharp pain knifed through her

she walked back to the living room,

quieter he got. She stayed where she was,

week?” he asked. “Is that why

froze, her

thought. Now that I’ve let go and pulled back, suddenly he cares. Guess guys only want women who

She grabbed the banister and

and finally said, “Yolanda,

11:32 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 16

stayed calm. “I already told you–I’m

before, you wanted

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rail, the cold metal seeping into her skin like a

she smiled icily. “I was stupid to think that after all

stared at her rigid back, a faint sigh escaping. “How many times have you said that, Yolanda? Let’s not do

waist. Only then did he notice that her face glistened with

from the tip of her nose with his fingertips and spoke softly, “The baby can’t stay. I’ll take you to the clinic tomorrow. I’ll make it right.

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

realizing nothing she

subtle smile and gently pushed a stray lock of

stirring up trouble. Bring Mom that emerald bracelet tomorrow and apologize,” he said softly. “Yolanda–you’re wife material. Don’t make me sorry I