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.

squeezed him tighter,

their car rolled past Sylvia, she caught a

the

noticed something, glancing out the window just as the last rays

The afternoon faded away.

...

In the hospital room.

open the door to find Naomi curled up under the

called softly, stepping closer. Naomi

pulling back the blanket. "Mom, it's

first, but Sylvia's grip was firmer.

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

look at me, Sylvia," Naomi choked, shrinking

her mother but afraid

bruises weren't the worst

Naomi lifted her

saw body hintsises

even more marks and

covering her her of

lurking beneath the surface.

drew in a sharp breath, her mind racing with horrible possibilities. She forced herself to stay

again and took her hand. "Mom,

her, shaking as she whispered, "Some of the

me over for a game night. ow how it is-don't