Chapter 16

When Joyce came to in the hospital, it was raining outside. She stared at the ceiling. The pain in her abdomen made it clear that she was still alive. Lucas sat by her bed. The moment she opened her eyes, he leaned forward and clasped her hand. His voice was hoarse when he spoke. "Syl…" Joyce gently pulled her hand away and looked calmly out the window. "Where is he?" Lucas' eyes darkened. "The police took him. He's charged with assault." She closed her eyes, saying nothing. … Three days later, Joyce was discharged from the hospital. She went straight to the villa Nathan had gifted her. It was exactly as it had been before their marriage. The roses in the garden had grown wild because no one had trimmed them. She stood in the center of the living room, her fingertips brushing over the dust on the piano. It was one Nathan had chosen for her himself, promising to teach her. But that was a promise never kept. On the table sat their wedding photo. She was smiling, bright and ra