Chapter 2: The Truth Behind the Lie
Chapter 2: The Truth Behind the Lie
The emergency room was brighter than Serena remembered hospitals being.
Everything smelled of antiseptic and fresh linens, but none of it eased the ache running through her body.
Ryan waited outside the examination room without saying much. He answered a few phone calls in hushed tones, never once trying to force his presence into her life.
When the doctor finally finished treating her dislocated shoulder, several deep cuts, and countless bruises, Serena stepped into the hallway.
Ryan looked up.
"How bad?"
"I'll heal."
He nodded.
"But you're wondering if I'll press charges."
She managed a tired smile.
"I was."
"I don't know."
Ryan wasn't surprised.
Victims often hesitated.
Fear had a way of surviving long after the danger had passed.
Just then, Serena's phone rang.
The caller ID made her stomach tighten.
Ethan.
She declined the call.
Seconds later another message appeared.
Where are you?
You're making a huge mistake.
Another.
If you tell anyone what happened, you'll regret it.
Ryan didn't ask to see the messages.
Instead he said quietly,
"Threats usually start when people realize they failed."
Serena looked at him.
"You've seen this before."
"My father built businesses."
Ryan's expression darkened.
"I watched powerful men believe money could erase consequences."
Before Serena could answer, another woman entered the hallway carrying a leather briefcase.
"I'm Victoria Hale," she said.
"I'm one of Mr. Carter's attorneys."
Serena frowned.
"I didn't ask for a lawyer."
"You didn't."
Ryan answered.
"But someone just attempted to kill you."
Victoria placed several photographs on the nearby table.
"We asked highway authorities to preserve the traffic cameras before they were overwritten."
Serena stared.
The first image clearly showed Ethan's gray sedan.
The second captured the passenger door swinging open while the car was still moving.
The third showed Serena tumbling onto the shoulder.
There was no denying what happened.
Victoria looked directly at her.
"This isn't just domestic violence anymore."
"It's attempted murder."
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For the first time since hitting the pavement...
Serena believed Ethan might actually face justice.
