Blanche lay in that sterile hospital room, looking drained and fragile, like the weight of everything had crushed her spirit.
——
Zain's POV
Meanwhile, the club was alive with pounding energy and raw excitement.
I sprawled in the VIP section with my crew, the heavy bass vibrating through my bones.
Down on the floor, bodies moved without restraint, lost in the rhythm and the moment.
I'd been downing red wine like it was nothing—already burned through more than a bottle.
This crushing weight in my chest won't let up. Alcohol's the only thing that numbs the pain, I thought, refilling my glass again.
Drew arrived last. Taking in the nearly empty second bottle beside me, he shot Nicholas a questioning look. "What's eating at him?"
Nicholas shrugged, then leaned in to whisper, "Tia got exposed during that surgery. High-risk situation. It's got him wound tight."
Drew had heard the news through Joanna already.
