Thomas sat in the hospital corridor, elbows on his knees, eyes fixed on the sterile tiles beneath his shoes. He’d been sitting there for hours — maybe more — watching nurses rush past, the hum of life continuing around him while his world stood still.
He still couldn’t believe it. Samantha was gone — imprisoned, her lies unraveled. Their son, fragile but fighting in the NICU, was safe under Kylie’s care. And now… Delia.
A door creaked open down the hall. He looked up just as Mandy appeared, her expression soft but firm. For a moment, Thomas couldn’t move — he didn’t know if she’d tell him to leave or forgive him for everything that had happened.
“Mrs. West,” he said quietly, standing.
She smiled faintly. “It’s Mandy, Thomas. You’ve earned at least that much by staying.”
He swallowed h
