Chupterd
Istateskachim, men slightly agape, utterly taken aback. Ton’t believe what had just head
But as tealmed down, Irealized Tom haltabe joking.
He was comm’s closest childhood friend. The two hat go up together, their bond stronger than most siblings.
That comment to probably his way of testing me on Gavin’s behalf.
Latest, Edificespect him to mul help me Ates at, trodyma
were not to be and in public
Soppressing my emotions, I forced a light laugh. “You’re jrking, Mr. White Gavin and are fine What I water was jout in the heat of the moment.”
vat?” Tomi nimmed to look at me, his dark eres unreadable, his voir loss. “Is that so? Gurss Towerstepped, then.”
Thankoth, Tom didn’t dwell on the topic. He tactfully shined the comisation to get matters.
He was very and humorous, with a unique perspective that gradually down the mess involving Gavin and Mandy.
was during our comensation that Teamed Tonhalked the military
This surprised me because I remembered Going Tom’s accomplishments in the army.
Apprently. Tom had been prompted to major six months apu, a rank that was a testament to his extraordinary capabilites. His future i
– in the military seemed boundless.
why would he leave relaps he suply wanted to start anewchupter in life–like leveling up and switching to a new quest
People like and Gach were drapons among men, tavared by desting–bom to be admired and envied by dinary people like me
‘s over years, but you’re still as impressive as ever, Tom
our cava conversation cased the tension between us, giving as enough courage to tease him slightly. My address for him naturally shifted from the formal “Mr. White” to the
Core we just saw each other at the end of last mom,” herplied, his tone layered with meaning as he glanced at me
“Hom? [blcked.confused Theendoflat month
I called a banquet at the end of last month, one that had been both dilling and chastic.
Buldidn’t remember seeing him there. Could it have been at another event?
“Where did we theet?“–
Tom ank smiled, offering in answer, effectively ending the topic.
Soon, we arrived at Starlight Hospital.
Tamed Tom would leave after dropping me off, but to my surprise, he got out of the car as well. As we passed the hospital entrance, he even
he even stopped to buy a basket of fruit
I looked at him puzzled.
“What? Don’t you bring gifts when visiting riders?” Tomasked with a law chuckle.
My checks fluded slightly. I didn’t respond, instead quickening my pace toward the hospital.
When I entered the room, Dizabeth, who had been lying on the bed, immediately sat up.
“Gracie and Gavin are bere.”
But when the car that the man behind me wan‘ Gavin, she traze, her pale tips trembling slightly, “Gracie, where’s Gavin?”
Horted aflawless smille. “He’s busy with work, getting everything mady for the wedding ”
“There,” Aflabot appointment crossed Elizabeth’s face, but she quicklymasked it with a gentle smile. “There’s always so much to do before a wedding ”
Her par shifted to Tom “Gracie, who is this?”
Before could answer, Tom stepped forward with a smile, placing the fruit basket on a nearby table, “Goodalternoon, madam I’m Grack’s senior, Tom White”
“Huhch’s impression shifted slightly, deadly recognizing the significance of the name. Aturall, the White family was the most prestigious in Euvine Tom and faintly “biracle mentioned your health, am. Thappen to have a doctor friend here at Starlight Hospital Flask han to take a look at you.“”
There’s not, inilly. I wouldn’t want to trouble you!
“Haas muetan, en need to be so pošte.“Twurrpard with a glauer et amusement hi ha ryes.
T’kiew Toun murand well covent concerned Elizabeth’s health, Icouldn’t refuse, so lottered him my sincere thanks
But when to Greg Hill, the renowned specialist, walked into the room,
ustunned. I turned to look at Tom in disbelief.
pital, where even getting an appointment was nearly impossible
He had mentionedadorio lan batatamedout to be Derry himsel. Buteth was equally astonished Shekur targ’s reputation, especially at Starlight Hospital, Greg quickly began examining Elzabeth, leaving Tom and me waiting outside the
I glanced at Tomi, still processing the exper ted tunnel events.
“Tom, thank you so much,” said sincerely.
- For Tum, it might have been a sinal tovar, but to me, it meant the world
Tem’s lips curled into a faint smile “Don’t mention it.”
I instinctively parted my lips, about to say something, but my attention was caught by the screen of the television across the hall.
On the screen was Mandy Green’s face. The TVs in the hospital corridor were muted, so I couldn’t hear the audio, but a bold headline flashed across the screen.
“Famous Actress Mandy Green Announces Divorce and Reveals New Romance!”
The scene then shifted to an image of Mandy nestled in a man’s arms
Even though the man’s face was pixelated. I recognized him instantly–it was Gavin Gould.
1 shot to my feet, my face draining of color.
Even though knew a single photo didn’t necessarily mean anything–and I had been there that day, so it could just be an unfortunate angle taken by the paparazzi–1 couldn’t stop my hands from trembling slightly. My vision blurred with unshed tears.
“Don’t look”
his
A large hand suddenly blocked my view, shielding me from the television. Startled, instinctively grabbed the person’s wrist to push it away, but Tom stepped in front of me, b huge frame completely obscuring the screen
I lowered my head, desperately trying to keep my tears from falling
I kept telling myself over and over to trust Gavin. No matter what, I need to hear his explanation first But my chest ached with an overwhelming bitterness I couldn’t shake.
As I stared at the ground, my eyes fell on Tom’s arm, and I realized I was still gripping his wrist
“I’m sorry,” I quickly let go.
Tom didn’t seem to mind. His long lashes lowered slightly as it deep in thought I noticed his Adam’s apple bob slightly as he swallowed, but I didn’t dwell on it for long- Suddenly, the door to the hospital room burst open, anda nurse’s panicked voice rang out
“Ms. Summers! Your mom was fine just moments ago, but after watching something on TV, she suddenly fainted!
