Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

When Sylvia rushed into the hospital, a flurry of reporters was already spilling out onto the steps, cameras flashing around two people in the center of the crowd.

Rupert and Reese.

Reese clutched a bouquet of red roses, cheeks flushed pink as she tried to avoid the cameras.

One reporter leaned in, mic at the ready. "Ms. Sanford, why were you admitted to the hospital?"

Reese froze, hugging the roses tighter to her chest, and glanced instinctively at Rupert.

Rupert stepped forward, shielding her from the crowd, his tone cool and even. "Nothing serious. Just a check-up, making sure she's in good health."

The mention of a check-up, with the wedding just a month away, was enough for everyone to read between the lines.

Another reporter grinned. "So, Mr. Rupert, are we expecting a double celebration soon?"

Rupert didn't answer, but the little smile on his face was all the confirmation they needed.

Reese felt everyone's gaze drift toward her stomach, her cheeks burning even brighter.

Once they got in the car, the flashes still stinging her eyes, Reese hid her face in Rupert's chest with a sigh.

"Sorry," she mumbled, "I didn't mean to make things awkward."

Rupert wrapped his arm around her, blocking out the flashes. "Just give them a story and they'll stop digging around the hospital."

Reese relaxed into his embrace, listening to the steady thump of his heart. She couldn't help but draw closer. She could tell, deep down, that Rupert didn't dislike her. Maybe after they were married, feelings would grow. Maybe everything would turn out alright.

him

past Sylvia, she caught

the backseat before she stepped out of the way and

window just as the last rays of sunlight slipped beneath the

The afternoon faded away.

...

In the hospital room.

door to find Naomi

called softly, stepping

pulling back the blanket. "Mom, it's

but Sylvia's grip was firmer.

face was streaked with tears and mottled with bruises. A deep, red handprint stood out starkly against her cheek-so angry and raw that

at me, Sylvia," Naomi choked, shrinking

hand hovered, wanting to comfort her mother but afraid to

weren't the

Naomi lifted her shirt,

saw body hintsises

even more marks and

covering her her of

worse lurking beneath the surface.

breath, her mind racing with horrible possibilities. She forced herself to stay

Naomi's body again and took her hand. "Mom, you need to breathe. Just tell me

to her, shaking as she

over for a game