Chapter 2

The emergency room of St. Jude's Hospital is a study in controlled chaos. The relentless beeping of machines, the hurried footsteps of nurses in sensible shoes, and the hushed, anxious voices of families huddled in uncomfortable chairs create a symphony of crisis. The air is cold, sterile, and carries the metallic scent of antiseptic and fear.

A kind-faced nurse has just finished applying a cool, soothing balm to the angry red welts that blossom across my chest and shoulder. The pain has subsided to a dull, throbbing ache, a physical counterpoint to the hollow cavern that has opened up in my soul. I sit on the edge of a gurney, the thin, scratchy hospital gown doing little to ward off the profound chill that has settled deep in my bones.

Through the wired glass of my cubicle door, I can see Liam. He is pacing the length of the main corridor, a caged lion in a bespoke suit, his phone pressed tightly to his ear. His handsome face is a mask of anxiety, his brow furrowed in deep concern. But his anxiety, I know with a soul-crushing certainty, is not for me.

Seraphina is in another private room down the hall, being treated for "hyperventilation due to extreme shock." The shock, apparently, of having orchestrated a public assault.

The doors to both our rooms swing open almost simultaneously, a moment of cruel, theatrical symmetry.

My doctor, a woman with tired but compassionate eyes, steps out and gives me a small smile. "Mrs. Vance, the burns are second-degree. Not severe, but there is a significant risk of infection given the nature of the contaminants. We strongly recommend you stay overnight for observation and another round of antibiotics."

From the other room, a different doctor, a man with a harried expression, addresses Liam directly. "Mr. Vance, the patient, Miss Dubois, is physically fine, but she is extremely emotionally unstable. She's experiencing a severe panic attack. Our recommendation is for her most trusted person-which she has identified as you-to stay with her, provide a calm and stable environment, and prevent another episode."

The choice is laid bare under the harsh, unforgiving fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor. A choice between his wife's physical well-being and his mistress's emotional fragility.

Liam doesn't hesitate. Not for a second. The battle I thought was raging within him was, it seems, already over. He turns to the head nurse at the station, his voice the epitome of firm, decisive command. "I understand the recommendation for my wife. However, I need to take Miss Dubois home immediately to settle her down. Her mental health is my priority. I'll be right back to check on Elara."

He never came back.

From the cold glass of my hospital room window, which overlooked the ambulance bay, I watched the final act of my marriage play out. I saw him emerge from the hospital entrance, his arm wrapped protectively around Seraphina, who leaned into him like a delicate, wilting flower. I saw him carefully buckle her into the passenger seat of his gleaming black sedan. I saw him drape his own tailored coat over her shoulders, a gesture of tender care that made my own burns sting with a fresh, new pain. I saw him drive away into the rain-slicked night, leaving me behind in the sterile silence of the hospital, without a single backward glance.