He searched the medical records of every hospital in Westbridge.
A confirmed small cell lung cancer diagnosis dated seven months ago. Seven months ago, he had been finding new ways to torment her, deliberately rough with her in bed. When she said it hurt, he told himself she was being dramatic.
When he pulled her full medical file, he stopped at a line he hadn't expected: comminuted fracture, second-degree laceration. The date matched exactly when he had sent Chloe's people to teach her a lesson.
She had been carrying injuries he never knew about, in places he never thought to look.
She had already been sick at Chloe's welcome-home dinner. He had called her a liar and forced drink after drink down her throat.
Each detail settled into him like something breaking apart slowly.
Mrs. Hal
