NE'

and fear. Finally, the doctor re

said. "Maria is stable, but

bedside, holding her hand, praying for her to wake up. The tension in the room was thick, with Luke pacing and

ered open, and I rushed to her side, m

" I asked softly, trying

masked it. She knew the truth now, kudos to Luke who couldn't keep a secret, but despite Thea's betrayal, I could see t

as weak but firm. "I need you both to leave.

don't understand! This is all Irene's fa

ow what you've done. This is not the time for

Matthew, sensing the gravity of the

room for debate. He knew that staying would only ma

ew leaned in close to m

u'll escape being expelled

ze, my anger

wanting to stay where I wasn't wanted. "No one will love you for the rest of y

d nothing. He couldn't afford to cause a scene in the hospital ward. Wit

g Matthew look so aggrieved filled me with a sense of satisfacti

around mine, pulling

aid softly. "A

back. "I should be asking you that, Maria.

y. "I'll be fine, Irene. B

the situation settling ov

ry, Irene. I should have seen what was happ

hand. "This isn't your fault. Matthew and Thea

ssed her face. "You're stronger than y

y ask, why didn't you say

before closing them again, pretending to sleep. She didn't want to answer my question definitely. It was a transp

new that words wouldn't suffice. She needed time to process everything. Quietly, I stood up and adjusted her blanket,

for me. As soon as I stepped ou

red. "I never expected Thea to be a bitch. Heav

uine emotion which touched me deeply. I h

voice trembling. "It means a

mly, pulling back to look me in the eyes. "But remember, Matthew is st

g the delicate balance

des, we can't let our emotions get the better of us

orry about me. I'll handle my own issu

took a deep breath, feeling a

ank you, Luke.

I started the engine and pulled out of the hospital parking lot, then my phone rang. Gl

answered

on your house," the agent said, his tone professional yet enthus

letting go of a place that held so many memories, both good and bad. "Thank you for letting me know,

ust let us know when you

ain," I said befor

It had been a place of comfort and joy, but also one of pain and betrayal. L

my thoughts. The light turned green and I pressed do

and I was ready to embrace it