Page 27 of Pastel Kisses

Someone worthlivingfor.

I may have been missing for as long as I was theirs, but I amnotgone.

Not yet.

And I swear on everything I have left—on the love I refuse to believe has died—that Iwillmake it back to them.

Before time steals us away from each other completely.

My thoughts spiral, darkness threatening to drag me under, but the sharpclickof the lock turning jerks me back into the nightmare of reality.

The door creaks open.

Sarah steps inside, a bright,cheerfulsmile twisting her face into something grotesque.

“Avery,” shesingsongslike we’re sorority sisters sharing secrets.

I stiffen.

“I’msosorry for my behavior,” she coos, placing a hand over her heart in fake remorse. “It was completely uncalled for.”

Thecrazyin her voice is undeniable.

I stare at her, unmoved. “How am I still alive?” The question slips free before I can stop it.

A slow smirk crawls across her lips.

“The same way as the other times, of course,” she says casually. “IV fluids. NG tubes.” She waves a hand dismissively. “Imayhave missed a few feedings… oops.” A wicked cackle erupts from her throat as she throws her head back, laughter spilling out like a spell cast in the dead of night. "There had to be complete silence from you for the first few weeks, and then that turned into months." She shrugs like it’s nothing—like keeping me in a medically induced coma for practically four damn months is just another casual decision.

There’s norealapology. Just smug satisfaction.

She steps closer, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper. “Sooo… Jaxton and I have madeamazingprogress.”

My stomach clenches.

“We’ve gone on a few dinner dates—and the other night?” Shebeams. “Hestayed over.”

Each word slices through me like a blade, carving out chunks of my heart.

No.

Hewouldn’t.

Would he?

The doubt creeps in like poison. The truth is… we’ve known each other for the same time than I’ve been missing.And Sarah? She hasyearsof history with them.They were engaged.

My fingers curl into the sheets, knuckles white.

Sarah sees it—thriveson it.

“Oh, don’t look so sad,” shepurrs. “It’s not like theyforgotabout you. They just… moved on.”

I shake my head, forcing myself to staycalm.“You’re lying.”

Her grin widens. “Am I?”

Then she drops the final bomb.

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