Chapter 8 - THE DAY CLAIRE OPENED HER EYES
Claire woke on the fifth day.
Her throat was dry.
Her body ached.
The room smelled of antiseptic.
A nurse leaned over her.
“Claire?”
She blinked.
“Where's my baby?”
The nurse smiled gently.
“Your daughter is receiving care in the NICU.”
Claire began crying.
“She's alive?”
“Yes.”
Relief washed through her.
Then she whispered:
“Vincent?”
The nurse hesitated.
“He's been here.”
Claire closed her eyes.
Of course.
He would come now.
Now that something terrible had happened.
Now that people were watching.
Now that there was a baby.
But Claire was too tired to feel grateful.
“Please,” she whispered.
“Don't let him in yet.”
The nurse nodded.
May you like
“I'll let the team know your wishes.”
And for the first time in five years, Claire Bennett made a decision without wondering whether her husband would be angry.
