Chapter 22

Evan's friends nodded, their eyes filled with helplessness. His chest clenched like a fist was squeezing his heart. The pain was so sharp it nearly stole his breath. Thick bandages were wrapped around his chest, and faint traces of blood seeped through the gauze. But he didn't seem to feel the pain. He threw off the blanket, ready to get out of bed. "No… They can't get married. I have to stop it. Josie is mine. She's mine!" "Evan! Have you lost your damn mind?" His friends lunged forward, blocking his way. Frustration and helplessness filled their voices. "You haven't fully recovered! Jarrett's really ruthless. He broke five of your ribs! And now you're trying to crash his wedding? Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Evan's eyes were wild. His voice was a raw rasp torn straight from his throat. "Losing her is worse than dying! Don't try to stop me!" His voice carried the weight of long-suppressed pain and despair, as if he was finally letting everything out. His friends fro