Chapter 4

I woke to sunlight streaming through unfamiliar curtains, momentarily disoriented before the crushing weight of reality settled back onto my chest. This wasn't the hospital. This was worse.

Marcus had moved me to his family's London apartment while I was unconscious. My wheelchair sat mockingly by the bed—a prison on wheels. I pushed myself up, arms trembling with the effort, and stared at my useless legs beneath the silk sheets.

"Good morning, Ms. Laurent." A stern-faced nurse appeared in the doorway. "Mr. Sterling instructed me to prepare you for this evening's charity gala."

"I'm not going anywhere," I said, my…