After a few deep breaths, she resisted the impulse to weep. She could barely bear the ache till her eyes stung.

She knew she was cheap and silly in his eyes, therefore she didn't want to be so...

The room became quiet.

Ava glanced at her strewn garments and wanted to continue speaking, but her voice was strangled with grief and she couldn't.

Goden Bran slowed down as he leaned down to assist her up. But she ducked and stood up, braced. After just a few feet, her legs gave out and she collapsed in front of his eyes.

At the hospital.

Goden Bran sat beside her sickbed, staring at...