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Chapter 72
Chapter 72
stop the tears that had been
The sterile hospital walls felt like they were closing in on me as I sat in Cassie’s ward, trying to stop the flowing ever since I found out about the baby.
My relationship with Grayson was already complicated, and this pregnancy added another layer of uncertainty.
One thing was clear: I couldn’t let this news disrupt the dark, tumultuous world Grayson was living in. He had asked for space, for time to figure things out, and distancing himself from me was his way of coping
If I told him about the baby, I knew I’d only see him retreat further–lost in that shadowy place where he constantly. questioned his choices.
No, I had to be strong enough for myself and this child growing inside me,
“Issa…” A faint voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I turned quickly, hurrying to Cassie’s bedside. Her eyes were barely open, her voice weak but unmistakable.
At that moment, I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. They spilled freely, blurring the lines of the face I had missed so
much.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, my voice trembling with sadness.
Cassie’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Because I didn’t want to see you cry like this..” she said softly. Then, with a dramatic groan, she added. “Damn! My body aches all over. This is so messed up. How terrible do I look?”
“Still gorgeous,” I managed through my tears, though my heart ached at the changes in her.
She had lost so much weight in the days we hadn’t seen each other, her makeup–free face pale and gaunt. The deep sadness. in her eyes was unmistakable, though she was doing her best to hide it.
If I’m so gorgeous, why are you crying like it’s my funeral?” she teased weakly.
“You’re as annoying as ever!” I shot back, my shoulders shaking from both tears and laughter.
Just then, a group of doctors entered to check on her. I stepped aside, silently observing as they ran through their routine. Cassie caught my eye and gave me a reassuring smile as if to say everything would be okay.
When the doctors finally left, she leaned back against her pillow, her voice faint but steady
“You need to rest, Issa. It’s all over your face–you haven’t slept a wink. At least I get to sit pretty here in this hospital bed,” she muttered.
Even now, she still found something witty to say in her fragile state. That was Cassie–always trying to lighten the mood, even when her strength was nearly gone.
She attempted another smile, but this time, I could see the effort it took
“Do you know why I didn’t tell anyone about my condition?” Cassie’s voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed her vulnerability. “I didn’t want people’s lives around me to stop just because I’m sick. So, I went through my treatments alone, kept laughing with friends, and pushed forward with work. I refuse to let this illness define me or defeat me, Issa.
I moved closer and sat beside her. “But you know I’ll never leave you.”
“Then promise me when the doctor finally lets me leave this place, let’s go to the beach together, wearing our favorite
bikinis.”
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Chapter 72
I nodded, almost too eagerly and fighting back fresh tears.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Asher stepped in “I heard you’re awake I came as soon as I could”
Cassie turned toward the window, deliberately avoiding his gaze. Her silence filled the room with an unmistakable tension
“You can leave now, Issa” she said weakly
I pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, my heart heavy with worry about leaving her alone with Asher and the tension be brought with him.
The hospital lobby felt enormous until my eyes met Grayson’s. I steadied myself, gripping the strap of my bag tighter. He leaned closer to Eliot, who nodded and quickly positioned himself between us to reinforce the space Grayson early
wanted.
‘Gray, do you know? Do you know how much I’m hurting The pain is unbearable. My heart, my head, my very soul! Those were the words I longed to say, but they remained trapped in my throat
Eliot stepped forward, his brow furrowed in concem. “Ma’am, are you feeling unwell? You look like you haven’t had any
rest.”
“I suppose your boss is keeping his distance to avoid getting sick. There’s too much work waiting for him, in’t there? Is that why he doesn’t want to come near me?”
The bitterness in my voice surprised even me, but Eliot’s discomfort was apparent
“It’s not like that, Ma’am,” Eliot said, fumbling for words. “The boss he’s still worried about you. It’s just_” He trailed off. clearly struggling to explain “Please, give him more time. He’s dealing with a lot, especially now that Grandma Blake is in critical condition”
I pressed my lips together, desperate to end the conversation. I didn’t want Eliot’s concern to stretch any further. The last thing I needed was for Grayson to start asking questions. Some secrets hard to remain buried, even if they were growing
inside me.
“My friend is here at the hospital, which is why I’m here. I appreciate your concem. I’m heading home now. Please send my regards to Grandma Blake”
I’ll check on Grayson’s grandmother after I’ve had some rest.
“Anyway, the boss insisted you stay at the villa”
I shook my head. What does Grayson even think of me? Just two days ago, he made me feel like royalty, like his queen. Now, I’m starting to feel angry with him
Ignoring Eliot, I walked past Grayson as if he weren’t even there. Focusing on what lies ahead became my priority with the baby on the way.
Alone in the apartment. I tried to think clearly. Maybe Grayson did that purposefully–to make me fall for him, just as he planned. His claim that he was avoiding hurting me felt like nothing but an excuse, a sugar–coated lie. I didn’t buy it because he hurt me deeply
1 lay down on the bed and allowed myself to sink into exhaustion.
faint glow in the dim light. His eyes never left the
Meanwhile
A man sat back in his chair, the cigarette between his fingers casting a fa woman across the table.
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14:42 Sun, 13 Apr – M.
Chapter 72
[
He had brought Charlotte to the villa he had acquired last year–the place where she had sought refuge, where the hart hidden herself away.
“You’re telling me I’m Charlotte Prescott? The one the police are chating?” Her voice was empty, her eyes devoid of
emotion.
He didn’t answer immediately, taking a slow drag from his cigarette before exhaling. “That’s you And I was the one who helped you escape. I orchestrated everything and paid a hefty price for your freedom”
“W–why?” Charlotte’s voice cracked.
“Because I despise Grayson Blake and refuse to let him be happy. You despised his wife just as much. Fate brought us together, and both of us needed each other. But you can’t leave this place. Not yet. You’re being sought by the world or the police.”
She trembled, then pleaded, “I won’t leave. I’ll do anything. Whatever you want!”
A faint smile 1985
at the corner of his lips. “Good girl”
However, as Charlotte entered the bathroom, her cold, calculating eyes returned, reflecting in the mirror with a chilling intensity-
‘I will make you pay, Isabella! You will pay for this!”
Ө
