The Cherished Wife

Winter crumpled to the ground, her eyes hollow as she watched Simon walk away. Her fists were clenched so tight that they trembled as shock coursed through her. Xavier had just finished with the guests when he spotted Winter, looking lost and forlorn by the front door. He rushed over and lifted her to her feet. "Winter, what's wrong?" She threw her arms around him, her body still quivering. She tried to hold it in, but the tears broke through and streamed down her face.

Xavier could tell Winter was torn up about what happened to Suzy, so he gave her a reassuring pat on the back. "Hey, none of this is your fault. The ones to blame are..." He paused, searching for the right words. "Yevgen and Chandler. They're the real culprits. They went way over the line." "Where are they now?" Winter's thoughts snapped back to Suzy. "I can't just sit here. I need to see how Suzy's doing."

Suzy had already slipped out the back door with Annie by her side. Suzy was a mess of nerves, wanting to hide from the world. Annie, who was holding her close, could not shake off a nagging sense of guilt.

It was Winter's plan, but Annie had been a part of it too. She had been there for Noelle, but she completely forgot to factor Simon in.

"Suzy, talk to me. Are you okay?" Suzy was shaking like a leaf, her face pale as a ghost. Annie kept stealing glances at her while driving until her worry got the best of her, and she pulled over. "If you're feeling sick, just let me know, okay?"

Suzy clutched Annie's hand desperately. "I need to shower, Annie. I really

it easy, Suzy. We'll get the medicine, and then

they see me like this. What am I going to do?" Suzy

then... I'll be with you. We can go to a hotel, and I'll stay right

don't leave

and even considered ending it all. Howeven her rage bubbled up when shee remembered why this was happening-it was

swap out a spiked