The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 29

The hospital smelled of quiet despair and antiseptic. Time stood still

there and hope hovered like a ghost in the atmosphere never quite

present but refusing to go. My chest never felt any lighter despite the

fact that I had been here far too often.

I passed nurses who hardly gave me a look as I moved down the

hallway. By now they were familiar with me. The man who came to

room 407 was always by himself and never spoke. When I got to the

door I slowed my pace. Before pushing it open I paused for a brief

second.

Only the faint glow of the machines that kept her alive illuminated

the dim interior of the room. The only sign that time was still passing

was the heart monitors steady beeping. The white hospital sheets

contrasted with Fionas pale skin as she lay there still. Like the last

time I saw her her dark hair framed her face.

The woman I had loved for so long was still gorgeous. However she

wasnt present. Actually no. I moved closer after swallowing against

the lump in my throat. I muttered Hey my voice rough from the

feelings tearing at my throat. “This is me once more…

11

I extended my arm and grasped her hand. The weather was chilly. Too chilly. In an attempt to get a response I rubbed my thumb over her

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Chapter 29

knuckles. Nothing was present. It did not exist. I chuckled softly

bitterly. “By now youre probably sick of listening to me talk.”

Nothing.

I continued to hold her hand as I leaned forward and rested my

elbows on the beds edge. “I met someone” I said hardly raising my

voice above a whisper. “She goes by Ava.” On my tongue the words

sounded weird as if I were divulging a secret. Fiona however had a

right to know. Even though she was unable to answer she still had a

right to hear it all. “I almost hit her with my car” I said shaking my

head. “It was late. In the center of the road was where she was. I

swear I mistakenly believed she was you for a moment….”

I let out a breath and squeezed Fionas hand a bit more tightly. Her

memory was lost. doesnt know her identity or origins. Nothing… I

looked up at her expressionless face looking for anything

. A moment of recognition. One of her fingers twitched. a clue that I

was understood. Nothing. I saw Ava’s face in my head. The way she

gazed at those divorce documents yearning to remember a man who

had robbed her of everything.

“I’m helping her” I said. “Or I believe I am anyway. I am not sure. The

house is where she is staying.. I was surprised at how heavy the

words felt.” With a forced smile I said “Youd like her.. She is

obstinate. Determined. I can tell she used to be strong even though

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she doesnt remember anything.. “I paused. “She also has your

appearance….”

Before I could stop it the confession slipped out. I shook my head and

laughed hollowly. “Fiona its insane. She talks the same way and has

the same hair. The same looks you used to give me I swear she still

gives me sometimes…”

Leaning back in the chair next to the bed I let out a sigh. “She’s not

you though.. She was never going to be.” I wiped a hand across my

face as fatigue began to seep into my bones. “She is attempting to

recall a man who is unworthy of her.Liam.”

When I heard the name my jaw tightened. He robbed her of

everything. Her businesses. Her wealth. She is currently sitting in my

home looking at divorce papers as if he were still valuable.

I shook my head. “She is not yet aware of the reality. Im also not sure

how to tell her.”

I turned to face Fiona again my heart hurting in a way I couldnt

describe.I muttered “Youd probably know what to do. . You were

always like that…

Н

I exhaled a long trembling breath. It felt weird to be sitting here and

conversing with her as though she would awaken and respond. She

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Chapter 29

should I hoped. I hoped she would assure me that allowing Ava to stay was not a mistake. by being overly concerned. Since that was the

issue wasnt it? I was beginning to get concerned.

She reminded me of Fiona but I wasnt sure if that was because she

was someone else entirely someone who gave me a sense of purpose

once more. I was angry with myself and ran a hand through my hair. I

keep telling myself it’s temporary I acknowledged.

That she will depart after regaining her memory. What happens

though if she remembers and finds she is out of things? I didnt want

to acknowledge how much the question troubled me. If Ava knew

Liam had taken everything would she still want to return to him or

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