The Cherished Wife

Annie's hand instinctively went to her cheek, her gaze clouding over. She bit her lip and whispered, "Winter says she regrets it. She never meant for things to go this far."

"Guilty? Yeah, right!" Suzy sobbed, angrily wiping her tears. "Guilty? She didn't even blink when you were taken away. She didn't care whether you lived or died. How could she possibly feel guilty, especially after she looked down on you for your scars? If you hadn't gone to her, she wouldn't have..." Words tumbled out of Suzy in a rush of fury. Once said, they could not be taken back.

Seeing Annie's face turn ashen, Suzy quickly took her hand. "I'm so sorry, Annie. I didn't mean to. I just..."

"It's okay," Annie said, pulling Suzy into a hug. "Don't worry about it now. Just try to get some sleep. I'm here for you."

"Annie, I just can't let it go. I really can't. She's been at odds with Noelle for years. What's that got to do with us? Why do we have to get involved?"

injury, but Suzy had continued to be friendly with her. Annie had thought Suzy would

her? After what she did to your face,

away. "My face will heal. What

Suzy declared,

of sorrow hit her. She gripped Suzy's hand

anyone. If I do, it'll be all over the place. Annie, what am I going to do? So many people from our group were there tonight, and they all saw what happened. How can I face them again? What's

to soothe her. "Xavier has already handled it. Those people won't say a word, and no one else will find out about tonight. If you want to go after them,

let it get out. I just can't!" Suzy clutched Annie's arm, shaking her head desperately. "Annie, you won't think less of me,