doctor' s face, a cold dr

irez said, his voice gentle but firm. "And i

d still in the hospital bed, m

umb. "I'll ge

ha

r fiancé, sat across from her

n't meet

his," he mumbled,

? We'll find a way. I

ined but resolute. "It's not about the

e hit Ava like

his voice barely a whisper. "I

d tilting. Her mothe

ed. All she heard was th

ened to swallow her whol

hy, powerful businessman. He' d h

e hospital hallway, a cru

alm anchor in her storm. "I'l

hope flaring. "

firmed. "There's one

gaze intense. "

tunned. "

g is handled discreetly and efficiently,"

r options, Ava agreed.

was scheduled. Ava clun

e. Her mother' s body

ied three days a

ated, a hollow

eral, handled every detail with quiet

, subdued ceremony, Ava W

ut her heart was broken, her future uncertain,

was for the best. Et

her hus