Chapter 101

**Third person**

"That's a lie!" The denial ripped from Jeffrey's throat as he flung open the ward doors, the sound echoing off the sterile walls.

He surged towards Chloe's bed, a desperate plea dying on his lips before it could take shape.

"Babe?" The word came out as a strangled whisper. His hands, rough with panic, grasped at her shoulders, the tremor running through him evident even in the slight movement.

He shook her, a flicker of hope warring with the dread rising in his chest. When her arm fell limply back to the bed, reality slammed into him.

A choked sob escaped him. His knees buckled, and he sank to the floor, the wail that erupted a raw, guttural sound of despair while Richard stared at him helplessly.

Everything happened so suddenly.

Moments later, the ward doors burst open again. Rachel, Helen, and Lily flooded in, their faces etched with worry.

"What happened to my sister?" Lily shrieked, her voice cracking with terror.

Richard reached out, his eyes filled with sympath