HAYDEN
I knew something was wrong the moment I woke up. The familiar ache was there, sitting heavy in my chest. I took my pills like I always do. I told myself I had meetings, calls, and a company to run. No time to feel weak. Besides, I needed to make sure the scandal was wiped clean.
By midmorning, the ache sharpened. And by noon, it was unbearable.
I locked myself in my office, my fingers trembling as I reached for the bottle again. I remember thinking I'd just sit for a minute. Just breathe. Just wait for the meds to kick in.
They didn't.
The pain came in waves, stealing my breath and folding me in half. I slid off the sofa and hit the floor, my lungs burning while my heart raced dangerously.
'This is it,' a voice whispered in my head.
'You're going to die on the floor of your o
