All I could picture was Damien—his warm smile, the way he held my hand, the promises he whispered. He had told me I was the only one. That there were no secrets between us.
But what if that wasn’t true?
I drove to the hospital, my chest tightening with every passing minute. The parking lot was almost empty when I arrived. I hurried inside, my heels echoing loudly against the polished floor. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, casting a harsh, sterile glow.
“Excuse me,” I said to the nurse at the counter. “Ethan Caldwell—do you know where his room is?”
She glanced at her chart. “East wing, third floor.”
“Thank you.”
I walked quickly, my heartbeat pounding in my ears. But just as I reached the corner of the hallway, voices stopped me.
Familiar voices.
Damien’s—and my mother-in-law’s.
I halted just out of sight, their conversation carrying clearly through the quiet corridor.
“You’re indulging your brother too much,” Regina said sharply. “That’s why he’s becoming so spoiled. He barely respects anyone and keeps demanding your attention.”
Damien let out a tired breath. “What do you expect me to do? Of course I spoil him. He’s not my brother, Regina. He’s my son.”
My heart seemed to stop.