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.

jolt of

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

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

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

words struck Jensen hard. He pulled his hand away,

for breath, pale and trembling, but

Clark to ruin her hand! I couldn’t stand 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

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The Real

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a step back and dropped into a chair. His chest heaved as

back on my word. I married you. I

hand in exchange for your loyalty for the rest of your life? Shouldn’t that be enough? I just wanted her hand.

cruel and absurd, but Jensen couldn’t

the hesitation in his eyes, Sharon softened her

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

I won’t go

I’m going to

and left the room

door closed behind him, Sharon’s entire

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

Jensen returned to the emergency room, Natalie’s surgery had just

was pushing her out on a gurney. She was