Chapter 56

• Jessica's POV
• After Downey and Rebecca were escorted out of the room by Emmett, the ward finally returned to its much-needed silence. The only sounds that filled the space were the rhythmic beeps from the heart monitor and Johnny's faint but steady breathing.
• I slowly lowered myself into the chair beside the hospital bed, exhaustion and helplessness weighing heavily on my heart. If I could, I would banish Downey and Rebecca from Los Angeles forever, ensuring they never resurfaced. But I couldn't. After all, because of me, Johnny had already lost so much. Despite Rebecca's hypocrisy and snobbery, her presence at least gave Johnny the illusion of a complete family. I couldn't selfishly take away this last bit of warmth from him.