Chapter 2

I woke up to a beeping sound, rhythmic, annoying.

My body felt like a lead weight, a terrible ache centered in my spine.

I tried to move my legs.

Nothing.

Panic, cold and sharp, flooded me.

I was in a private hospital room, sterile white walls, expensive equipment humming.

Izzy was there, asleep in a chair by the window, looking tired but, as always, perfectly put together.

A doctor, older, with tired eyes, came in. Dr. Alistair Finch, his name tag read.

"Mr. Walker, you're awake. You were in a serious accident. A hit-and-run."

His voice was calm, professional.

"My legs," I managed, my throat dry. "I can't feel my legs."

Dr. Finch nodded slowly. "There's significant spinal trauma. We need to do more tests, but the initial assessment is concerning regarding your mobility."

He didn't say "paralyzed." He didn't have to.

Later, Izzy was awake, holding my hand, her eyes filled with what looked like concern.

"Oh, Ethan, my love. This is a nightmare."

She kissed my forehead. "Don't worry about anything. I'm here. The best doctors are here."

Her perfume, something expensive and floral, filled the air.

I drifted in and out of a hazy, pain-filled state.

One evening, I wasn't fully asleep, more like floating in that space between.

The door creaked open. Izzy's voice, low, urgent.

"Alistair, is he stable enough that the surgery can wait a few more days?"

Dr. Finch's voice, hesitant. "Isabella, the pressure on his spinal cord is critical. Delaying surgery significantly reduces the chances of him regaining full mobility. Or any mobility."

"I understand the risks, Alistair."

Her voice was cold now, no trace of the concerned fiancée.

"But a few more days. For appearances. The wedding venue, the guests... it's all arranged. We can say the accident aggravated an old injury, that he needs extended bed rest."

My blood ran cold. Appearances?

"A paralyzed Ethan," she continued, her voice a chilling whisper, "will be dependent. He'll be compliant. He won't be jetting off to inspect building sites in Dubai. He'll be home. With me. And with Lily."

"He'll agree to the adoption without a fuss. He'll be grateful for any life I give him."

I lay there, frozen, pretending to be unconscious, my world shattering.

This wasn't just an accident.

This was something else. Something monstrous.