Penelope POV

The hours that went by felt like they stretched into days. I sat on the couch in the hospital room, staring blankly at the wall. The tears had dried up, and all that remained was an overwhelming sense of sadness.

I had placed my trust in him; how could he betray me in such a profound way that I never thought possible?

The door opened, and I didn’t need to turn around to know it was him. I simply continued to gaze at the wall.

my eyes shuts in pain.

“Pen…” he called softly, and I could hear the anguish in his voice, but I fought the urge...