Chapter 127
Anna’s POV:
I watched as Claire talked to the police officers. I quietly took my phone out and snapped a few photos of them walking away. Immediately, I sent the pictures to my lawyer.
“Please follow up on this report in my name,” I texted.
This wasn’t just about me anymore. “People who threaten women with private photos need consequences,” I added. ‘Otherwise there will be more victims.”
I stood in the VIP wing corridor, staring down the hallway at the ward where I knew Blake was. I’d chosen my outfit carefully–a black blazer with matching wide–leg pants and thin heels–hoping to project strength I wasn’t sure I felt.
I was willing to accept some responsibility for what happened to William. Blake deserved an apology for that. But he also owed me explanations and apologies of his own.
As I walked across the soft carpet, I felt myself shrinking, my carefully constructed confidence evaporating. Why was I so afraid to see him? ‘Remember, Anna,‘ I told myself. ‘You’re here to settle scores, not reminisce.‘
Outside his ward, I paused at the glass panel. Inside, I could see Scarlett sitting beside Blake’s bed, talking animatedly.
Sunlight streamed through the window, catching his dark hair and illuminating his profile. His blue eyes looked deep and thoughtful as he listened, his expression uncharacteristically gentle.
My heart clenched.
I remembered countless mornings when Blake would kiss me awake, early light playing across his features.
“You’re so compliant when I wake you like this,” he’d whisper. “I could get you to do anything.” I’d often wrap my arms around his neck, making him late for work or miss taking Claire to rehearsal.
I swallowed hard, realizing that expression of gentle attentiveness wasn’t just for me. Scarlett looked at him with stars in her eyes. What woman wouldn’t fall for that perfect profile? I thought bitterly
I prepared to interrupt their cozy scene, but my throat felt blocked–painful and tight.
My hand hovered at the door for too long before finally knocking.
“Open up,” I commanded, my voice betraying a slight tremor. The handle wouldn’t turn. It was locked.
My voice startled both of them. Scarlett clutched some papers to her chest, covering her mouth in surprise. Blake looked up through the glass, his expression instantly transforming to cold arrogance.
The irony wasn’t lost on me: the wife locked outside while Blake and another woman locked inside. ‘Remember,‘ I reminded myself again. ‘I’m not here to catch him cheating. I’m here to settle accounts.‘
I straightened my back and frowned as Scarlett rushed to unlock the door. As she did, I caught sight of what she was holding- papers labeled “IVF Protocol.”
My mind raced. How far have they gotten? Years ago, when I’d wanted to give Blake a child, I’d worried something might be wrong with me. I’d researched IVF thoroughly: both partners needed medical examinations before doctors would develop a protocol. The realization hit like a barrage of scalpels slicing through my heart.
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Chapter 127
Oh my God! Scarlett exclaimed, quickly hiding the documents behind her back. “Mrs. Wright, please don’t misunderstand.”
I stood frozen. Everything I’d planned to say vanished. I’d prepared myself to discuss taking responsibility for William, to explain about the photos being released online, to decide my future based on his explanations. I never expected to find my husband discussing fertility treatments with another woman.
“What are you standing there for? Come in!” Scarlett said with uncomfortable familiarity. “Blake’s been thinking about you.”
“Hi, I managed stiffly. ‘I’d like to speak with him alone.”
“Of course,” Scarlett nodded sympathetically. “I was feeling like a third wheel anyway.” She turned to Blake. “I’ll check on Claire next
door and come back later to look after you.”
“Scarlett,” Blake’s voice was ice. “You’re not going anywhere.” He shifted his gaze to me. “You should leave. I don’t want to see you
until my father wakes up.”
The pain was so intense my body swayed slightly. Scarlett immediately rushed to steady me.
“Oh! Blake just means he’s not in a good headspace right now,” she explained quickly. “He doesn’t want to say something emotional that night damage your relationship.”
“What are you talking about?” Blake snapped at her.
“You know it’s true!” Scarlett insisted.
Their exchange–the way they looked at each other, their comfortable disagreement–felt like an invisible dagger twisting in my gut.
Scarlett finally backed down. “Fine, I won’t say anything else.”
I composed myself, summoning every ounce of elegance and confidence I could fake, and walked toward Blake. Some people just deserve to be slapped -Claire had deserved it, and now Blake did too. I raised my hand.
Before I could strike, Blake caught my wrist mid–air. “Anna! Have you lost your mind?”
I pushed against his chest with my free hand, feeling the firm muscles beneath his expensive hospital gown.
Blake yanked me forward suddenly, causing me to lose balance. In one fluid motion, he pulled me onto the hospital bed, one arm around my waist, the other hand gripping the back of my neck, trapping me against him.
Our breaths mingled. I inhaled his familiar scent, now mixed with antiseptic. His blue eyes locked with mine, his expression cold but with that possessive glint I knew too well.
Scarlett’s awkward gasp broke the moment.
“Seen enough?” Blake growled at her without looking away from me.
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