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

caught a blurred glimpse of

before she stepped out of the way and headed into the hospital

something, glancing out the window just as the last rays of sunlight slipped

The afternoon faded away.

...

In the hospital room.

the door to find Naomi curled up

softly, stepping closer.

over, pulling back the blanket. "Mom,

Sylvia's grip was firmer. Finally, she peeled

bruises. A deep, red handprint stood out starkly against her

look at me, Sylvia," Naomi


hovered, wanting to comfort her mother but afraid to

weren't the worst

lifted her shirt,

saw body hintsises

even more marks and

covering her her of

worse lurking beneath the surface.

mind racing with horrible possibilities. She forced

took her hand. "Mom, you

her, shaking as she whispered,

me over for a game

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