Ewan’s plea

Victoria didn't leave the hospital. Instead, she slumped into a chair outside the ward, her eyes fixed on her husband's room. Despite the turmoil within their relationship, she refused to leave him alone in his time of need. In the meantime, her phone buzzed with incoming message alerts. She was surprised to see Colton was the sender. A prickle of unease ran down her spine.

Why was he messaging her?

Curiosity gnawed at her. She unlocked the phone and stared at the screen. Her breath hitched. Images of Silas and Lara, wrapped in a tight embrace, filled the display. What was Colton implying?

Furrowing her brow, Victoria tried to decipher his motive when a shrill ring shattered the silence. It was Colton again.

Revulsion coiled in her gut as she saw his name on the screen. Schooling her features into a mask of indifference, she answered the call.

"Hello?"