m P

as splitt

the hotel blinds, and I groaned, r

ead like a halo on the pillow. Last night was her birthday. We'd partied hard, drank way too much ex

memory from last night pierced through the alcoholic haze. Avery had called me. I re

r. Ever since she got pregnant, she'd become so needy, so desperate to keep my attention on her 24/7. She was perfectly healthy; the family doct

retching like a satisfied cat, her voice husky. "Morning

I'd agreed to go with her to the hospital today. She'd said she needed t

e thought of Avery's dramatic, attention-seeking stunt completely

d suit. As a Sterling, and as one of the NHL's most marketa

nt happiness as we walked out. The hospital she wanted to go to was NewYork-Presbyterian. A funny coincidence, cons

hattering excitedly about our dinner plans for tonight. I nodded along, my mind already drifting

he VIP wards to see Clara's friend. Suddenly, a familiar, incre

ed in. If it isn't the cheatin

mouthed best friend. She was standing outside an elevator ba

oing here?" I frowned, my patienc

be at a hospital? I think it's much weirder for you two to be here. What, don't tell me C

red. She stepped forward. "Excus

s and doctors. "The former 'aloof goddess', now reduced to desperately clinging onto a married man. You knew damn well yesterday was his and Avery's we

e hospital staff burning into my back. "Delaney, th

g with a terrifying intensity. "You two make

ple were starting to whisper and point. I c

e suffocating embarrassment before I lost my temper completely. I prac

all. I pulled out a cigarette, needing the nicotine to calm my nerves, but a pa

rby trash can. Just then, I overheard two nu

e patient in room six?

ive hemorrhage. She was bleeding out everywhere. They almos

't reach her husband all night. His phone was on,

ind of heartless bastard ignores his wife's critical condition? Th

ismissing the ridiculous thought. Avery? Impossible. She had been perfectly healthy, and she always had so much energy t

. I was looking all over for you. Let's just ig

y tie, a familiar, highly propri

iful face. "Let's go. In fact, Avery texted me earlier saying she went away on

n. "Really? That's wonderful!" She threw her arms around my neck and ent

atisfaction. Finally, some peace, quiet, and freedom wit