Chapter 8

When the call ended, a single tear slid down Hayden's cheek. That would be the last time he ever cried for Jacqueline. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to feel every ache and throb in his body. He needed to remember that every ounce of his suffering had been brought on by her. "Hayden, are you alright?" He felt a warm sensation in his palm. Penelope was holding his hand tightly. Hayden thought he was despicable. She had just donated her bone marrow to save him. And the moment she heard him crying, she had climbed out of bed to check on him. He, on the other hand, was weeping for another woman. He heard himself say, "I'm sorry, Penelope. I'll love you from now on." Penelope rubbed her cheek gently against his palm, like a small, affectionate kitten. As she did that, Hayden couldn't stop his thoughts from drifting to Jacqueline. He remembered one night when Jacqueline was still an intern. She had come home from a night shift after he had already gone to bed. When he was half-asl