Chapter 17

The stinging scent of disinfectant burned Alder's nose. He stared at the ceiling and was caught in a blur between dreams and reality. There were flashes of Zoe's tear-streaked face, her struggling to push him away, and finally, her smiling at another man by the sea. "Alder…" A timid voice came from beside his bed. Vera stood two steps away, her fingers clutching her bag straps so tightly that her knuckles turned pale. "H-How are you feeling? The doctor said it was a stress-induced fainting…" When Alder slowly turned to look at her, Vera froze under his predatory stare. Cold sweat began to drip down her back. "Was it fun?" he asked in a terrifying, hoarse voice. Vera forced a nervous smile. "W-What? What are you talking about? I'm just worried about—" "I remember everything." His three simple words instantly drained all colors from Vera's face. She stumbled back two steps and nearly knocked over the IV stand. Her voice trembled as she hurriedly explained, "I-I don't know what yo