Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin) novel Chapter 234

Cheryl clutched her chest, feeling as though a saw was cutting into her heart, making it harder to breathe.

She quickly looked away, leaning against the wall as she gasped for air.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number she knew by heart. After a moment of hesitation, she pressed call.

When the person on the other end answered, Cheryl bit her lip and forced out the words she never thought she'd say. "Ms. Tanner, please tell him... I agree."

The moment the words left her mouth, tears poured down her face like a flood. As soon as she hung up, she couldn’t hold back anymore and ran to the hospital garden.

In the secluded garden, Cheryl broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. After what felt like an eternity, her trembling hands opened her phone case. She pulled out a photo she had been keeping hidden inside.

Her fingers gently traced the bright, sunny smile of the man in the photo. Her voice was hoarse as she whispered, "I'm sorry."

Tears fell onto the photo, one after another. She had finally reached her breaking point.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Later, she received another call from Sidney Tanner, who gave her an address and told her to go there.

Cheryl's eyelashes fluttered as she stepped out of the cab. She looked up at the luxurious hotel in front of her, her heart trembling uncontrollably.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and walked inside.

Ten minutes later, she was standing in front of the door to a presidential suite of the five-star hotel, Cheryl tugged nervously at the hem of her faded, well-worn casual outfit.

She stared down at the expensive carpet beneath her feet, biting her lip hard. She knew there would be no turning back once she knocked on this door.

Taking another shaky breath, she forced herself to lift her hand and knock.

The door swung open within seconds. The room was lavishly decorated, with a soft glow from the floor lamp casting shadows across the black leather couch.

A man sat with his long legs crossed, his cold eyes piercing as they landed on Cheryl, making her feel as though she'd been thrown into an icy abyss. His name was Marley Finley.