CHAPTER 92 THE MASKS WE WEAR

Claire reached out, taking his hand in hers. “You didn’t lose me,” she whispered, her voice a balm to Ethan’s pain. Ethan’s lips trembled as he brushed a stray strand of hair away from Claire’s face. “I can’t believe I almost lost you,” he murmured. “I love you.” Claire’s smile widened, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I love you, too,” she whispered back, her voice catching. They sat there for a moment, hand in hand, as the world outside the hospital room faded away. It was just the two of them, caught in a silent cocoon of love and relief. "It was the delivery man," Claire finally spoke, as Ethan raised his face to hers. "I don't know who sent him but he lied." Ethan didn't understand. "Yes. I sent a delivery man to deliver the dress. What happened?" Claire shut her eyes momentarily, reliving the moment of fear, when she thought her life was over and she wouldn't see Ethan or Emily again. "He was sent to kill me," Claire spoke. "I thought I was going to die, Ethan". "No on