Chapter 136: Nathan's Struggle

The red digits of the clock on Nathan's nightstand flashed 3:17 in the dark, like a pair of accusing eyes. He had not slept. How could he? The words still echoed in his mind, an agonizing loop that would not stop. "Nathan, I'm sorry to say: I have chosen Mark." Olivia's voice was always soothing and warm, but now it seemed to be made of shatters of glass in his ears. Nathan rolled onto his side, pulling more of the covers against his body as if they might protect him from the pain radiating through his chest. The first light of dawn was seeping between the blinds when Nathan finally gave up on sleep. Dragging himself from the bed, his movements were heavy and laborious. The apartment felt different now, like all of the color had been leeched out of it in the night. He wandered into the kitchen, opening and closing cupboards aimlessly until he settled on a cup of coffee. The phone on his chest buzzed as the bitter liquid hit his tongue. Nathan's heart leapt traitorously, hoping desp