Chapter 16

When Hugh woke up, everything around him was a blur of white. The sharp smell of disinfectant hit him hard. The alcohol still hung in his system, leaving his head heavy and foggy. His stomach was like a rock, heavy and sour, with a dull ache that wouldn't let up. He scanned the room, his vision gradually coming into focus. Emilia's eyes were red from crying, her face twisted with anger. "Are you seriously going to act like you're going to die over a woman like her? She's just the daughter of some housekeeper! What do you even see in her?" A few of Hugh's friends gathered around, trying to talk some sense into him. "Kelly's been gone for a month, no word, nothing. She's clearly avoiding you, Hugh. Just let it go." Hugh had heard those words over and over for the past month. He never paid them attention before, and he wasn't about to start now. His bloodshot eyes stared off, empty. His lips were pressed tight, his jaw rough with stubble. All that showed on his face was stubborn defi