Chapter 2 - The Hospital
Two hours later, Clara was settled into a private room at the hospital.
The room was luxurious, with a view of the city skyline and a private nurse assigned to her around the clock.
Ethan sat in the chair beside her bed, his hand wrapped around hers.
"I should have been there," he said.
"You didn't know."
"I should have known. I should have seen what Veronica was doing."
"Ethan, nobody saw."
"I did. I just didn't want to believe it."
"Veronica has everyone fooled. She's a master manipulator."
"She won't fool anyone anymore. Not after tonight."
"What happened after we left?"
Ethan smiled grimly.
"The chief of security arrested her. She was taken to the precinct."
"Will she get out?"
"Not a chance. I have every lawyer in the city ready to make sure she stays in jail for a very long time."
"Ethan, she's dangerous. She won't give up."
"I know."
"If she gets out, she'll come after me. She'll come after the baby."
"She won't get out. I'll make sure of it."
"Promise me."
"I promise."
He leaned forward and kissed her gently.
"Now get some rest. I'll be right here."
---
The next morning, Clara woke to find Ethan still in the chair, his eyes red and tired.
"You didn't sleep," she said.
"I didn't want to leave you."
"Ethan, you need to rest."
"I'll rest when you're safe."
"Please. Go home. Take a shower. Get some sleep. I'll be fine."
"I don't want to leave you."
"Ethan, I'm in a private hospital wing with security guards outside the door. I'm fine."
He hesitated.
"Promise me you'll call if anything happens."
"I promise."
He kissed her forehead and left.
Clara watched him go, and for the first time in months, she felt safe.
But the safety was short-lived.
Because fifteen minutes after Ethan left, a nurse entered the room with a tray of food.
"Good morning, Mrs. Sterling," the nurse said.
Clara looked up, confused.
"I'm not Mrs. Sterling."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I assumed—"
"It's okay. Just call me Clara."
"Of course, Clara."
The nurse set the tray down and began arranging the food.
"Are you feeling better today?" the nurse asked.
"Yes, much better."
"That's wonderful. The doctor says you'll be able to go home soon."
"Thank you."
"Can I get you anything else?"
"No, I'm fine."
The nurse smiled and left the room.
But as she was leaving, she turned back.
"Oh, I almost forgot," she said. "Someone left a gift for you at the front desk."
"A gift?"
"Yes. It's addressed to you."
The nurse handed Clara a small box wrapped in gold paper.
Clara opened it carefully.
Inside was a single emerald earring.
The one Veronica had been wearing last night.
And a note:
"You can run, but you can't hide. I have eyes everywhere."
Clara dropped the box as if it were on fire.
Her heart pounded in her chest.
She pressed the call button frantically.
Security burst into the room seconds later.
May you like
"What happened?" the guard demanded.
"Get Ethan," Clara said, her voice shaking. "Get him now."
