Mel's gaze bored into me from across the room.She wanted me to tell them everything.
Carter took my hand in his.“Is that all?You look shaken.”
I opened my mouth, the words on the tip of my tongue.But fear gripped me, memories of past heartbreak flooding my mind.I couldn't bear to get my hopes up only to have them dashed once more.
“I'm just tired,” I mumbled, hating myself for the lie.“The anemia's taken a lot out of me.”
I glanced at Mel, and she granted me a sad but understanding smile.I'd have to face the truth eventually, but for now, I clung to the fragile safety of denial.
“Where's that asshole Ethan now?”Wick's expression darkened, his protective instincts kicking into high gear.He looked between Carter and me, a muscle ticking in his jaw.
I shrugged, trying to sound indifferent.“Not sure.Security escorted him out earlier.”
Wick nodded, a determined gleam in his eye.“Right.I'm gonna go handle this.”
“Wick, don't—” I started, but he was already striding away.
He paused at the door, offering me a grim smile.“Don't worry, Livvy.I'm not gonna do anything stupid.I'm just gonna make sure he understands he's not welcome here anymore.”
With that, he disappeared into the hallway, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.I exchanged a worried glance with Carter, who stroked my hand reassuringly.
“Do you want me to go after him?”
I shook my head.There was no stopping Wick when he was in this mood.“No, let him go.He needs to do this.”
“Good, because I don't want to leave your side.”
He settled on the edge of my bed, his hand gripping mine.I winced at the sight of his bruised knuckles.
“Does it hurt?”I asked, carefully running my thumb over the purple splotches.
“Nah, it's nothing.I've had worse paper cuts from blueprints.”
He threw me a playful wink, and I tried to laugh, but it sounded more like a choked sob.Everything—the pregnancy, Ethan's reappearance, Carter's arrest—crashed down on me at once.
“Hey.”Carter cupped my cheek with his free hand.“Talk to me, Sunny.What's really going on?”
I leaned into his touch, closing my eyes against the sting of tears.The urge to spill everything was overwhelming, but fear still held my tongue hostage.
I forced a smile and looked up at Carter.“I'm fine, really.Just a little tired from all the excitement.”
He gave me a long look.“Are you sure?You know you can tell me anything, right?”
“Of course,” I said, my voice unnaturally bright.“I'm just ready to get out of here and back to normal life.”
A nurse bustled in, tablet in hand.“Alright, Ms.Parker, I've got your discharge papers here.Just need you to sign a few things, and you'll be all set.”
My hand trembled as I scribbled my signature on the forms.Carter noticed and placed his hand on my shoulder.
“Easy there,” he soothed.“No need to rush.”
As I finished signing, he gathered my belongings.His movements were slow and deliberate, as if he was afraid I might shatter at any moment.
“Ready to go?”he asked, offering me his arm.
I nodded, sliding off the bed and leaning into him.My legs felt wobbly, and I was grateful for his steady presence beside me.
We made our way down the stark, echoing hospital corridor.I avoided Carter’s eye.If I let myself see the tender concern on my face, my resolve would crumble.
