Semua Bab Signed to Suffer, Destined to Love: Bab 41 - Bab 50

The papers were scattered on the coffee table where Silvia had laid them two hours ago. She had read every one of the pages three times, underlining the most damning paragraphs, taking in everything that Rebecca had revealed. The grandfather clock in the hallway tolled six in succession, its deep tones echoing in the empty house. Ralph would soon be back. Silvia rose from the couch, her fingers trembling as she smoothed her dress. She headed to the liquor cabinet and served herself a sizeable amount of Ralph's fine scotch. The amber liquid seared her throat, though it seemed to calm her nerves. Silvia did not drink frequently, yet tonight seemed to demand liquid courage. The distant crunch of gravel beneath tires made her clench her belly. She sipped again, then set the glass on the table. Footsteps across the front steps. Clank of keys. Loud thud of the dense front door shutting. "Silvia?" Ralph's voice called from the room in warm, eager tones that made her own heart hurt again in

Silvia followed Ralph around the twisting staircase, dizzy. What evidence was there of the genuineness of his love? What was there that would overcome the damning coincidence of his conversion?He did not lead her to the master bedroom she and he had occupied the last three nights, though, but towards his study—a room she had only entered to clean during her months as his maid. Ralph's inner sanctum, which was always locked when he was not present. Even now, his hand went to the small key in his pocket to unlock the solid oak door.The air was perfumed with sandalwood and leather, masculinity and unmistakably Ralph. Her eyes drifted across the comfortable furnishings, the enormous mahogany desk, leather-bound bookcase, and plush chairs in front of the fire. All seemed normal and nothing especially enlightening.He headed over to the desk and unlocked the bottom drawer with a second key in his pocket. He took out a chunky leather diary and held it in his hand for a moment, a soft spot

His finger brushed softly against her cheek kindling heat through her, the physical spark igniting the emotional connection growing between them. Something in her longed for escape, to keep the distance between them, which protected her. Something else growing with increasing urgency, wished she could believe in him.Silvia’s lips parted, her voice barely a breath:"Then show me this isn’t just another lie. Show me that this is happening."His eyes narrowed. In one fluid movement, Ralph stepped toward her—heart pounding, hands shaking, unsure if she’d let him in…or shut him out forever. He walked around the table, drawing her to stand before him. Fingers framed the curve of her face in tenderness. Yet doubt lingered in the back of her mind—could she truly trust him after everything?"I am a fool," he breathed, his thumb tracing the curve of her face. "A foolish, obstinate fool who nearly lost the most precious thing that had ever crossed his life path."Her own heart raced in her c

The hospital security office was a cramped space, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights that cast everyone in an unflattering pallor. Rebecca sat in a chair against the far wall, her crimson hair pulled back in an immaculate chignon, her designer outfit out of place in the utilitarian surroundings. She looked up as Ralph and Silvia entered, a practiced smile sliding into place that didn't reach her calculating eyes."Ralph, darling," she purred, rising gracefully. "There seems to have been a misunderstanding.""Sit down," Ralph commanded, his voice glacial. The security guard at the desk straightened imperceptibly at his tone. "There's no misunderstanding here."Rebecca's smile faltered slightly, but she remained standing, her gaze sliding dismissively over Silvia before returning to Ralph. "These people seem to think I was trespassing. I was simply visiting an old family friend.""You have no friends in this hospital," Silvia said, stepping forward. "Only victims."Something dang

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains Ralph had not drawn the night before. Silvia started, temporarily puzzled by the strange weight of a hand around her waist and the heat of another body next to hers.Then recollection flooded in—the hospital, the argument with Rebecca, and Ralph's words. Her fingers found the wedding ring on the third finger of her left hand, the metal warm against her skin.She turned carefully, not wanting to wake him, and allowed herself the luxury of simply watching him sleep. As he slept, his countenance softened, and the usual scowl between his eyebrows disappeared. This was a Ralph that few individuals ever saw—vulnerable, unguarded.As if he sensed her stare, his eyes opened, heavy with sleep before focusing on her face. A slow smile spread across his face, and he was transformed."Not a dream, then," he grumbled, voice rough with sleep.Silvia smiled again at him. "Not a dream."His hand rose to trace her cheek, thumb drawing the line of her lo