Chapter 159

Fiona always tried to avoid wearing backless dresses. Not because she didn't want to look attractive. But because her spine carried visible scars— Uneven marks left from all the lumbar punctures she’d gone through. Makeup couldn’t hide them. Anyone there would notice, no way around it. Now those marks were right in Ethan’s line of sight. His gaze darkened. That look was a mix of heartache and guilt. Anyone who knew Fiona knew she hated pain. Even the smallest prick could make her wince like a spoiled kitten. Yet all these years, she’d gone through it all on her own. Just the thought of that made Ethan feel like his chest was getting squeezed. The emotions hit him like a wave, way too heavy to bear. He just stared at Fiona, wordless. Fiona bit her lip, catching his reaction. She turned and said, “Ethan, really, don’t stress over it. I’m used to it. The doctors are all pros. It's not such a big deal.” Her tone was light, like this was nothing. But that needle in the doctor’s hand? It loo