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.

hit him like a jolt

the throat, and shouted, “Why did you have Clark destroy her hand?! Do you even understand what a hand means to a

She couldn’t breathe. She flailed, her hands slapping against his arms in desperation, and she sobbed

let her go, isn’t it? Jensen, you promised me. You said you’d stay with me. You said you’d be a good husband until I died. And now you’re strangling me over her? Don’t forget–you have my rib in your body! I’m dying anyway.

words struck Jensen hard. He pulled his

breath, pale and trembling, but the look in her eyes was bitter

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,

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The Real

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was grim. His face was pale, eyes bloodshot. He took a step back

married you. I stayed. Why did

in exchange for your loyalty for the rest of your life? Shouldn’t that

and absurd, but Jensen couldn’t

softened her tone and let

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

Jensen closed his eyes.

you have to promise me–this is the last

I won’t go near

some rest. I’m going to check on

the room without another

door closed behind

eyes turned sharp, cruel, and filled with venom. There wasn’t a trace of weakness left

emergency

on a gurney. She was unconscious, pale,