Mutual Enemy

Elizabeth’s POV

“Fortunately, I arrived home early and found you, immediately taking you to the hospital. The doctor suggested that your fainting spell was likely due to overwhelming stress. "What's been weighing on you, Spitfire?" Ethan pauses. "Would you like to get away for a while? Maybe a vacation with me? With your best friend?"

Though I struggle to accept Ethan's words, deep down, I know they're not far from the truth. The evidence is written on my body—aches, and a small scar on my arm, a reminder of the needle from the hospital…

It takes me a while to find my voice.

"How is it possible that I was completely unaware of all this? I was unconscious the entire time..."

Ethan simply nods, a silent acknowledgment.

It's astonishing how swiftly life can spiral out of control...

Stress... Derek. Truth be told, I haven't fully recovered from what he put me through.

It's undoubtedly him.

"No, I don't need a vacation. Not at the moment."

I have to move past Derek. He's not worth my time,