Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 90337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
The sooner she knows that, the better.
An hour later, after an encouraging meeting with Dr. Garrett, Linda turns on the television while she puts in an order for some broth from the cafeteria. While Mom watches a musical she’s seen at least a hundred times on the Classic Movies Channel, I pull out my phone, composing and deleting several messages to Elaina before settling on—Mom’s awake and doing well. I’ll be home for a shower and to grab some things for her soon. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.
Despite the fact that it’s barely six-thirty in the morning, her response is immediate—Thank God! Oh Hunter, that’s such amazing news! I’m so thrilled to hear it. Tell Margaret I’m sending all my good energy her way and can’t wait to visit later. Love you and see you soon.
A sour taste rising in my throat, I turn off my phone without responding. She really is good. Even better than I thought when I hired her to put her lying skills to work on my behalf.
And she’s clearly not feeling an ounce of remorse.
“Was that Elaina?” My mother’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.
“Yes, she’s so happy to hear you’re awake,” I say, forcing warmth into my tone. “I told her I’d be home in a little while to grab a shower and would fill her in on all the details. Though I’m not sure she’ll be able to make it back to the hospital with me today. She’s been a little under the weather and doesn’t want to risk giving you a cold while you’re still recovering.”
Mom’s brow furrows. “Of course. That’s all right. Tell her I hope she feels better soon.”
“I will,” I promise.
I’ll tell Elaina that my mother wishes her well, and then I’ll tell her goodbye.
Forever.
twenty
ELAINA
After a decent night’s sleep and the text from Hunter this morning, I’m feeling more hopeful about the future than I was last night.
Stupidly hopeful, it turns out…
I know something is wrong the moment Hunter steps off the elevator. His face is fixed in that expressionless mask I haven’t seen since the night he first pitched his fake fiancée plan to me in Sea Breeze—cool, distant, and completely closed off to the likes of me.
To the woman who lied to him…
He knows. I can’t shake the certainty that he knows. But still, I do my best to force a smile.
“Hey, welcome home,” I say, my voice wavering as I take a step toward him and he takes an answering step back. “How’s Margaret?” I squeak out, not knowing what else to say.
“Awake. Stable.” He moves past me without making eye contact, heading for the bedroom. “No thanks to you.”
My stomach drops.
Shit. Shit!
“Hunter, wait, please,” I say, hurrying after him. “I can explain.”
He stops, hesitating a beat before turning slowly to face me. His gaze is cold enough to make me flinch on impact, but I stand my ground. “Please do,” he says softly. “Please explain how you thought it was acceptable to keep a secret from me that could have led to the death of the only person I love.”
I flinch again, but I know he doesn’t mean that. He still loves me. He’s angry—and he has every right to be—but what we feel for each other is real. And it’s strong enough to survive this.
I just have to make him see that I never meant to hurt him.
“I’m so sorry,” I say, the words thick with fear and regret. “But she made me promise, Hunter. I didn’t know what to do. I don’t give my word lightly and—”
“Neither do I,” he cuts in. “Which is why I will continue to honor our contract, though I honestly have no interest in seeing you again.”
Tears flood into my eyes. “You don’t mean that. I know you don’t. You’re hurt and angry right now, but I know—”
“You know nothing.” He cuts me off with a slashing motion of his hand, his lip curling with contempt as he adds, “You disgust me.”
“Please, Hunter,” I beg, a sob escaping my whip-tight throat. “Please, don’t do this. I love you so much, and I’m so sorry. I messed up, I know that, but if you’ll just give me the chance to explain. I never meant—”
“There is no explanation that can excuse what you did,” he says. “And at the moment, I don’t have the luxury of wasting time on a lost cause. I need to get back to the hospital. I’ve booked you a room at the Residence Suites in midtown for the next week. We can reevaluate where we stand and what’s needed to bring our business to a close in a few days, once I have more information on my mother’s progress.” He glances at his watch before turning away, tossing over his shoulder, “A car will be here to pick you up in an hour. I suggest you start packing.”