A Sigh

Aiden stood frozen at the hospital entrance, his shoulders stiff and fists clenched at his sides. The concern he felt for Ella was still there, buried under the weight of his anger. The betrayal cut deeper than he thought possible, and the hatred bubbling beneath the surface was far stronger than his lingering worry. If he was honest with himself, he wasn't sure he trusted his temper enough to step inside.

Even if Ella was sick, even if she'd been on the verge of death, the pain she had caused him ran far deeper. It festered, sharp and relentless, overshadowing any pity he might have felt.

"Aiden," Nate called from a few steps ahead, "Let's go."