Chapter 4

When I opened my eyes again, the harsh white ceiling of a hospital room filled my vision.

A nurse hurried over. "Thank God, you're finally awake. You've been unconscious for two days. The hospital has been giving you emergency treatment and fighting the infection, but the social workers have been scrambling to verify your identity, insurance, and medical proxy. If no one confirms your details soon, your transfer and long-term care plans are going to be severely delayed."

I asked, my voice completely wrecked, "While I was unconscious, did anyone come to see me?"

The nurse sighed. "No. The man brought in with you only swallowed some water. He was transferred to a VIP suite. Vivian Grant arranged exclusive private care for him and has been staying right by his side. As for you, since you were brought in, not a single friend or family member has come to identify or visit you."

I froze for a second, then smiled. That was fine.

A soft knock sounded at the door. "Evan."

I snapped my head up. When I saw who was standing there, the tears I had held back instantly spilled over. My step-sister, Mara Hale, walked up to the bed and pulled me into a tight embrace.

"I couldn't reach you, so I came looking for you myself." She stroked my hair. "Let's go home, Evan."

Mara was my step-sister; we shared no blood. When our parents married, we were both nearly adults. Later, when they died in a car crash, she was the one who took over the family business and shielded me behind her.

I followed her onto the helicopter. The private jet pierced through the clouds, heading toward Boston. I wiped away my last tear, looking out the window at the endless horizon, and whispered a silent goodbye in my heart.

Vivian. I'm letting you keep Nolan. From now on, we will never see each other again.