The Stand In Wife's Revenge novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

I held Fionas cold hand and wouldnt let go. Silent tears ran down my face pressing my forehead against our joined fingers. I had waited for a response that never materialized for countless nights here speaking into nothing. But the weight of it all was too much to bear tonight. I

trembled as I whispered “I miss you.”

The silence in the room was too great. The monitors steady beep served as a harsh reminder that she was only just barely alive. Not in this place. Not really gone. I was startled back to the present by a loud knock on the door. Quickly wiping my face I pushed the sadness

deep inside out of sight.

As I straightened my jaw tensed training my features to resemble control. When the door opened a person who was familiar entered.

Doctor. Cole Nathan. I had known him for years he was more than just a doctor. A companion. One of the few individuals who never turned away after witnessing my darkest moments. He was silent at first. simply watched me while maintaining a tightening of the chest.

In a softer than normal tone he inquired “How long have you been

here?“.

The sting in my eyes was ignored as I cleared my throat. “A couple of

hours.”

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He let out a breath and moved deeper inside. “How much sleep have

you had too?”

I shook my head. “Its not significant.”

Sighing Nathan refrained from arguing. Rather he crossed the bed and looked at Fiona before turning back to face me. I noticed his hesitancy in his posture and the way his fingers flexed as though they were itching to tell me something he knew I didnt want to hear. I did

it before he did.

Before he could say anything I said “Shes the same. She is, is she

not?“.

His silence was sufficient proof. I chuckled bitterly. “I keep hoping youll say something new to me, that something happened when she

opened her eyes and moved her hand.”

My voice broke. But nothing ever changes… With his normally

composed demeanor crumbling under the weight of the truth Nathan

finger combed his hair.

“I hope I have more positive news Alexander.”

I made fists out of my hands. ‘She isnt improving.

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It was not a query. Nathan spoke steadily but his eyes softened. “No..

She isnt.”

Taking a sharp breath I looked out the window and turned away. With

the sheen of unshed tears the city lights became distorted and blurry.

I felt as though the walls were closing in on me choking me with

memories. Even though she never moved I spent many late nights

reading to her in this chair.

Before her condition ever improved I would bring her fresh flowers

only to watch them wither. Loving someone who is stuck in a body

that wont wake up can leave you feeling helpless frustrated and hurt.

I uttered the words “I dont know how to let her go” nearly inaudibly.

After hesitating Nathan spoke slowly. “Youre not required to. You do

need to start living again though.”

I laughed a little hollowly. “You make it seem so simple.”

“Its not.“He drew the chair up and took a seat. “But its not what Fiona

would want for you to spend every night here wallowing in sorrow

and guilt.”

I felt the words strike me like a blow to the body. Glancing down at

our intertwined fingers I winced. She would have responded by

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squeezing my hand once. laughed at how obstinate I was, advised me

to quit being so incredibly dramatic. Now though? Nothin‘.

With a thick voice I whispered “Dont.. Avoid acting as though you

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