Chapter 117

• ARLET
• I fluttered my eyes open, trying to adjust to the sharp light pouring in. The steady beeping of machines filled the silence, a harsh reminder—I was in a hospital. My instincts kicked in, and my hand moved to my belly. Panic flooded through me. It was flat. Empty. I couldn’t feel my baby anymore.
• Fear gripped my heart. I blinked again, gathering all the strength I had left, and turned my neck slowly. That’s when I saw him.