Chapter 2 - THE WIFE WHO NEVER LOOKED BACK
Michael arrived four hours later.
He walked into my hospital room wearing jeans, a dark winter coat, and the expression of a man prepared to fight the entire world.
When he saw me, his face changed.
“Claire.”
I tried to smile.
“Hi.”
He crossed the room.
Then hugged me carefully.
I broke.
Every emotion I'd held inside since the night before came rushing out.
The fear.
The humiliation.
The loneliness.
The terrible moment I'd heard Sophia's voice through Alexander's phone.
Michael held me until I stopped shaking.
Then he stepped back.
“Tell me what happened.”
So I did.
Everything.
By the time I finished, his jaw was clenched.
“He left you alone during a break-in?”
I nodded.
“And you're pregnant?”
“Yes.”
Michael looked toward the door.
“Where is he?”
I laughed bitterly.
“Probably with Sophia.”
My brother closed his eyes.
Then said, “You're coming home with me.”
I swallowed.
“Michael, I don't want to become your responsibility.”
He looked at me.
“You're my sister.”
My eyes filled.
“That isn't a burden.”
Two hours later, the doctor cleared me to leave with strict instructions to rest and attend follow-up appointments.
My baby was still alive.
That was the only thing that mattered.
When Michael helped me into his truck, my phone began ringing.
Alexander.
I stared at the screen.
Michael glanced over.
“You don't have to answer.”
I turned the phone off.
And as we drove away from Chicago, I realized something terrifying.
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I had no idea who I was without Alexander Moretti.
But I was finally going to find out.
