She knew that, especially in front of Jamie, she could be cast aside at any moment.

Suddenly, the exit door swung open. Nicole thought it was Jarrod and blurted out, “Aren't you supposed to be with her?"

It fell quiet on the other end. Lifting her gaze, she found not Jarrod, but a young doctor in a white coat, holding a cigarette and regarding her with a perplexed look.

Nicole hastily apologized.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine." The doctor glanced at his cigarette and then back at her, putting it out without a word.

Hearing footsteps approaching, Nicole knew she couldn't remain seated.

Leaning on the rail, she mustered the strength to stand and limped toward the door to leave.

Just a few paces away, she tripped. The young doctor steadied her, releasing her hand once she was balanced.

Noticing her scrapes and cuts, likely from her fall, he offered, "Would you like me to fetch a wheelchair for you?"

Nicole waved her hand dismissively, remarking, "I can manage on my own, but thanks."

"Don't mention it."

A stone's throw away, Jarrod stood against a wall, eyeing the duo before him, his face a mask of disdain.

How audacious! She's flirting with another man not long after he left.

A gentle arm looped through his, as Jamie cooed, "We can leave now, Jarrod."

Breaking his stare, Jarrod turned around and exited the scene with Jamie.

Raegan found herself trapped in an endless dream.

In this dream, a small silhouette stood with its back to her amid a seemingly endless snowfield.

As if by some psychic connection, Raegan knew it was her child.

Though she strained to close the gap, her feet felt as though they were cemented to the ground.