Page 263 of This Woman Forever

“Your lung collapsed, Jesse. The internal injuries were extensive. If anything unexpected arises, I need you close to the operating table in case I need to go back in.”

I grimace. “Like what?”

“Infection, stitches popping or, worst-case, internal bleeding.”

“Internal bleeding?”

“Which would be most likely caused by impact. Such as hitting the deck from passing out.” His eyebrows jump up, and I roll my eyes so hard, that might even cause internal bleeding.

“Fine, I hear you.”

“Good.” Mr. Emerson finishes up, tells me he’ll be back tomorrow, and leaves with Nurse.

“So what are we doing today?” I quip, bored out of my mind already.

“Well, you could read,” Ava says, pulling a book out of her bag. My pregnancy book. I smile as she sets it on my thighs. “And your mum and dad would love to come visit if that’s okay.”

I nod, drifting off into thought. I don’t know what happens next. But I do know I’m not dreading it, and that’s the best place I could be. “How’s Drew?” I ask.

“Surprisingly calm.”

I bet he’s just very fucking relieved Coral wasn’t responsible for all of the shit going down in my life. I shudder, just at the thought of Ava being alone with Lauren all those times. “Have you heard from Van Der Haus?” I ask, a little reluctantly. That little flashback came to me in the night when I woke up sweating. It’s never ending—all the various puzzle pieces slowly coming together to give me the whole picture. The whole picture before Lauren stabbed me.

He doesn’t deserve you.

Van Der Haus tried to take my happiness too.

“No,” Ava says easily, making me wonder if she’s simply protecting me from the stress. “He’s pulled out of the deal to buy Rococo.”

Oh? I bet Peterson is reeling. There goes his retirement plans. But then I also wonder, with dread, I admit, if this means Ava will return to the company? Oh no, will Peterson sweeten the deal for her? Offer her directorship? I flinch when a sharp pain hits my lip, releasing it from between my teeth.

“Okay?” Ava asks.

“Yeah.”

The door knocks, and Steve Cook pokes his head round. I know this has to happen. “I suppose you have some questions, huh?”

“I’ll go get us some breakfast,” Ava says, keen to escape.

“I’ll need to talk to you again too, Ava,” Steve says. “When you’re ready.”

She nods and wastes no time leaving us, and I can’t say I’m sorry. I don’t want her to hear the horrors of my past again. Steve settles on a chair, pad in hand. “We’ll have to do this more officially when you’re well enough,” he says. “But for now, we’re building the picture.”

“Where is she?” I ask.

“On remand at a psychiatric facility. Casey Grand is on remand too, albeit at a Category B.”

“Casey?” I ask, confused. Both are on remand.

“The new concierge at Lusso,” Steve explains. “Your ex-wife’s lover. He copied the keys to the apartment, and that’s how she gained access.”

Fucking hell. “I gave him the code for the elevator. Handed my car keys over to him.”

“Which is how he stole your car.”

“He stole it?” I ask, and Steve nods. “Has she talked?”

“A whole lot of fucking crazy, Jesse.” He laughs, in disbelief, I think. “Why the fuck didn’t we know about her?”

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