Chapter 82

• Charlotte's eyelids fluttered open to the harsh glare of hospital lights and the steady beep of monitors. Her head throbbed, her body aching like she'd been tossed in a dryer. Blinking groggily, she focused on the nurse adjusting an IV drip, a kind-faced woman in blue scrubs.
• "What... what happened?" Charlotte croaked, voice raspy, wincing as she tried to sit up.
• The nurse turned, smiling reassuringly. "Easy there, Dr. Valco. You had a close call—a car nearly hit you on the street. Your fiancé tackled you out of the way. Minor bruises, a bit of shock—you fainted from the adrenaline drop. You're fine now; just rest."