“No.”
He moved closer.
“I destroyed her because I believed you.”
Margaret’s voice sharpened.
“You protected yourself.”
“From what?”
“From a woman who would have chained you to poverty, scandal, and obligation.”
The final word hung strangely.
Obligation.
Ethan heard it.
So did Margaret.
His expression changed.
“What obligation?”
“Nothing.”
“What obligation?”
“I misspoke.”
His eyes locked onto hers.
Then a nurse hurried toward them.
“Dr. Caldwell?”
Ethan turned.
“Hannah Mercer is awake and asking for you.”
Margaret’s face transformed.
“She’s awake?”
The urgency was too strong.
Ethan looked at his mother.
Then back at the nurse.
“I’ll be there.”
Margaret grabbed his arm.
“Ethan, don’t.”
He slowly looked down at her hand.
She released him.
“Why?”
Margaret whispered, “Because there are things you cannot undo once you learn them.”
Ethan stared at her.
Then walked away.
Hannah was sitting upright when he entered.
