Nina looked luminous, already basking in attention like a woman stepping into her rightful place. Zachary hovered close, one hand resting at her lower back, guiding her with proprietary ease, as though she were already the Donna of the family.
A nurse passed by, smiling warmly. “Don Moretti, your wife looks radiant today.”
My throat tightened, but I didn’t correct her.
I didn’t have the strength.
I turned away, intent on slipping out unseen.
“Avery.”
Zachary’s voice cut through the corridor.
I stopped mid-step. My shoulders stiffened, but I didn’t turn right away. Of course he noticed me. Of course he couldn’t allow me to vanish quietly.
I finally faced him across the polished floor. “I wasn’t trailing you,” I said evenly. “I was discharged today. I didn’t know you’d be here.”
Before he could respond, Nina looped her arm through his, clinging to him as though she’d always belonged there.
“Love,” she said gently, false concern dripping from every syllable, “maybe she should ride with us. I feel a little guilty, you know. She gave blood for me. The least we could do is make sure she gets home.”
The audacity nearly made me laugh.
Zachary brushed his thumb along Nina’s cheek. “You’re too kind,” he murmured, then looked at me. “Fine.”
So I got into the car.
Not because I wanted to—but because I needed my documents before I disappeared for good.
I slid into the backseat and fixed my gaze forward.
That was when I saw it.
A pair of women’s underwear lay crumpled beside me, unmistakably stained white.
The sight knocked the air from my lungs.
Nina twisted around in her seat, lips curling into a smug smile. “Oh my God,” she giggled, “I can’t believe I forgot those. Remember, babe? After what we did back here last week?”
Zachary chuckled, eyes still on the road. “You almost ruined the leather.”
She hummed. “You didn’t seem bothered when I was on your lap outside the estate. Or when I kept you busy during that long drive.”
“Traffic’s easier with you,” he replied casually.
“And that time you had to pull over because I wouldn’t stop?” she added brightly. “You were shaking.”
My stomach twisted violently.
I turned toward the window, jaw clenched so tight it hurt. My hands curled into fists in my lap, nails biting into my skin.
While they carried on as if I didn’t exist, I quietly opened my phone and pulled up an email from my cousin, Sebastian.
My heart stuttered when I saw the flight confirmation.