e day before, hair pinned, collarbones dusted with translucent powder. The stylists were already at work - one adjusting the nape of her cream suit, another pressing concealer into the hollow beneath

e makeup artist. "We're a

back from Eli.When the woman turned to fetch a brush, she reached for it.The stylists' ch

ans

ried

ne when his voicemail caught her again. "I

sed her thumb against the phone again,thi

long ring. "Riverside Gen

e. "I'm trying to reach Eli Rowan. He was undergoing tre

e," the nurse cut

r reflection didn't move.She could hear the faint tap of a keyboard,

ive of the patient?" Lena nodded ev

my b

ly cleared of all outstanding debts. He's been reass

d. "Cleared

ation. It says 'anonymous payment pr

h dropped.

h realization to k

to him? Just

s available for calls." The line clicked. Lena sat there, hand still clutching the p

eir throat behind

ently. "We need to go o

-

k, a quick spray of perfume.Clara held out a small jewelry box to her.Inside wa

said. "It was one

everything?" Lena as

ch her eyes. "You want t

a dark tailored suit, tie perfectly knotted, watch g

?" he

er dress of invisible

unless you're asked to. Keep your answ

ts?" she

of our-" his pause was deliberate,"-union." His ton

-

estured for her to enter first,his hand hover

tition was up; the driver's voice came through muted. Lena sat with

The estate gates swung open, a

look at me for a signal on whether you should answer or not. If camer

e murmured bu

es it easier to

window, swallowing the rising ache in

unless I do first. Don't look u

ng under the afternoon light, the eager crowd already buzzing. The first time she stepped in this hospital was as Lena, a victim of circumstance a

the front seat, tapping her earpiece.

d pressed a button on th

hifting, security holding the line, flashes waiting

ll step out first, left foot forward. Walk s

already halfway out, a

- I don'

out. Right foot first. Don't look at the

r.Reporters shouted her name or Amara's.She couldn't tell which. S

t true the accid

you confirmin

ing the hos

ed a hand towards Lena's elbow and she almost didn't take bu

. She tried but it f

teady voice."We appreciate your patience. A brief statem

ters surg

staying with you a

, were you

aid fo

through the noise. The crowd went quiet."There will be

ghtly toward

hes strobing against her skin. The sound of her heartbeat mixe

ands," she muttere

aid. "Means yo

f the cameras was still evident. When they entered the room, a small team of hospital administrators and legal representatives were already seated, waiting. Cameras

ted,extending a hand. "We're grateful you could ma

moothly. "We all want what's

ng her voice even. "I'm ju

s.The lawyer gestured toward the folder. "If you'll both sign here and here, we'll

le to sleep the previous night boiled down to this particular moment. She had to ace th

she pushed the pe

e lightly in relief as he

stacking the papers neatly. "T

by, Clara leaned close and whisper

turned toward the exit, the reporters out

n! Look t

One photo

st

he door. "We should honor th

't wan

about what

reful hand on her waist

not necessary and you know i

"But it was eno

meras screamed for another picture but Damon didn't stop