When She Rose From the Ashes

Chapter 19 The Real Reason

Chapter 19 The Real Reason

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She had been so full of ambition, so full of promise. That cufflink design held meaning and power. But now, if she could never pick up a pen again… then what?

Jensen instinctively reached for the sketch in his pocket, only to realize it was missing.

His chest tightened. A sharp pang ran through him.

A terrible thought came to him. He turned on his heel and rushed straight toward Sharon’s hospital room.

Inside, Sharon was tearing up the cufflink design with an expression twisted by rage. It was as if the paper in her hands wasn’t a drawing, but Natalie herself.

Jensen froze. His heart clenched tight.

“What are you doing?”

His voice was cold, cutting through the room like a blade.

Sharon jolted. She hadn’t expected him to come back so suddenly. Startled, she dropped the torn pieces immediately.

Even though the sketch had been ripped into several pieces, Jensen still recognized what it was. The lines. The details. The shape. It was Natalie’s design.

She had taken it. She had destroyed it.

And maybe that design–this very drawing–had been the reason Natalie’s hand was broken in the first place.

a jolt of electricity. His

have Clark destroy her hand?! Do you even understand what

had never seen Jensen like this. She couldn’t breathe. She flailed, her hands slapping against his arms in desperation, and she sobbed through

died. And now you’re strangling me over her? Don’t forget–you have my rib in your body! I’m dying anyway. Go ahead, choke me to death! Kill me

words struck Jensen hard. He

pale and trembling, but the look

it anymore. She’s taken everything from me–first my parents, now you! And I’ve got cancer. I’m running out of time. I only asked for three months. Couldn’t you give me that? If I hadn’t given you that rib, my immune system wouldn’t have collapsed. I wouldn’t have gotten sick. Jensen, you said

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19 The Real

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pale, eyes bloodshot. He took a step back and dropped into a chair. His chest

on my word. I married you. I

a hand. I’m about to lose my life. Isn’t that worth it? One hand in exchange for your loyalty for the

cruel and absurd, but Jensen couldn’t find a way to

in his eyes, Sharon softened her tone and let the

to her, I promise. Don’t be mad at me. Don’t abandon me. I’m really going to

Jensen closed his eyes.

But you have to promise me–this is the last time. You’re never to lay

won’t go near

going

the

second the door closed behind him, Sharon’s

eyes turned sharp, cruel, and filled with venom. There

the emergency room, Natalie’s surgery had just

out on a