Chapter 3

Colton didn't come home for the next two days.

I put my assets in order and went to the family's business office to hand over several contracts.

When I returned to the estate to pack, I suddenly felt dizzy.

The doctor had warned me this might happen.

My body was still weak from the abortion. After running around all day, I broke out in a sweat. I grabbed the table to keep from collapsing.

That was when Colton finally came home.

He walked in carrying a box of chocolates and a bouquet of roses. Then he sank onto the couch and rubbed his forehead. "I got you your favorite chocolates and roses."

When I didn't answer, he finally noticed how pale I was.

He hurried over and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"What's wrong? Is your head hurting again?"

I couldn't answer. A sharp cramp tore through my lower abdomen, leaving me unable to speak.

He helped me onto the couch, then took off his watch. I recognized it immediately. Beth had given it to him for his last birthday.

I clutched my stomach and waited for the pain to pass.

By the time it finally eased, my forehead was covered in sweat.

Only then did I notice the roses and chocolates on the table. I frowned.

Colton asked, "Do you want some chocolate? I got you the roses you love. I'll put them in your room in a minute. Looking at the flowers will make you feel better, and you'll get some sleep tonight."

I looked at him.

"I'm allergic to pollen."

When I first moved into the estate, the flowers in the garden gave me a terrible rash. Colton had every single one removed.

Then Beth came home with no memory.

Soon, the garden was filled with roses again.

He'd forgotten why the flowers had disappeared in the first place.

All he remembered was that there were roses in the garden. So he assumed I loved them too.

His face darkened. He grabbed the roses and threw them into the trash. "How was I supposed to know if you didn't tell me? They're just flowers. There's nothing to be angry about."

My chest tightened at his words.

All the emotions I'd been trying to bury came rushing back.

The doctor had warned me to stay calm after the procedure. Too much stress could cause severe bleeding.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down.

There was no point in arguing with him. "Never mind. Do what you want."

Still holding my stomach, I got up to go upstairs and accidentally knocked the box of chocolates off the table.

It hit the floor, scattering chocolates everywhere.

Colton's expression immediately darkened.

"Was that necessary? Just because you don't like the roses I brought you, do you have to throw the chocolates on the floor too? Monica, I'm exhausted. Can you stop making trouble for me?"

A chill spread through me.

Even breathing hurt. His words finally pushed me over the edge.

"You're exhausted because of Beth. What does that have to do with me?"

I let out a bitter laugh and turned to leave.

He caught my wrist. "So you're throwing this big of a fit over Beth?"

Another cramp tore through my stomach. Sweat rolled down my face.

I yanked my hand free, but my legs were too weak to hold me up. I sank back onto the couch.

His expression shifted. The anger faded, replaced by a hint of concern. He opened his mouth to speak.

Then the phone on the table rang.

It was Beth.

He answered, and I immediately heard Beth sobbing on the other end. "Darling, where are you? My stomach hurts so much."

Colton frowned, his face tense with worry.

"What happened? Don't be scared. I'm coming right now. I'll send a private doctor over before I get there. Don't move.

"It's all right. Don't cry. I'm coming."

He soothed her as he grabbed his suit jacket.

Within seconds, he'd arranged everything for her.

I grabbed the hem of his coat and forced the words out. "Can the doctor see me first? Beth's closer to the hospital. Have someone drive her there instead."

Sweat soaked my back.

My head spun, and every part of me hurt.

He still had the phone pressed to his ear. He looked down at me, and for a moment, concern flickered in his eyes.

Then Beth heard my voice. She started sobbing even harder.

"My stomach hurts so much. I can't take it. Why does she have to make this hard for me right now? She knows I need a doctor more. Is she this jealous just because you're staying with me?"

The concern vanished from Colton's face. His eyes turned cold. He pulled his coat from my grip.

"I'll have someone drive you to the hospital. I'll come find you there once I've seen Beth."

Then he rushed out without looking back.

My nails dug into my palms as I curled up on the couch.

It wasn't the first time he'd abandoned me for Beth. Sometimes she had a cold. Sometimes she needed to go to the hospital.

There was always some reason. By now, I should have been used to it.

I gritted my teeth, pulled out my phone, and called my assistant.