I had no choice but to appear weak. I tugged at his sleeve, gently shaking it.

Joseph’s expression softened slightly, and as he glanced down, just as he was about to speak, his phone rang.

A sweet, delicate voice came through the speaker. “Jo, are you with Catherine now? I didn’t want to disturb you, but the doctor said there’s a form that needs a family member’s signature…”

Joseph’s face changed instantly. He yanked his arm from my grasp and strode toward the door, his voice unnervingly gentle. “Don’t worry, my dear, I’ll be right there.”

Watching him, a long-forgotten jealousy welled up inside me. I choked out the words,...