A Canary's Cage of Gold

Hearing those words, he shot to his feet and grabbed my wrist.

He didn't use much force, but his eyes had turned to ice.

"Avalon, stop. This isn't you."

"Let go. Where I go is none of your business." I stared coldly at the hand shackling mine.

Julian's gaze darkened, but after a long moment, he slowly loosened his grip.

He took a deep breath, his expression one of weary tolerance.

"Avalon, don't be like this. I promise, I'll cut back on seeing her."

Just then, the exclusive ringtone of his private phone trilled from his pocket.

It was the number he had set up just for me, for emergencies.

Julian's brow furrowed as he answered.

Scarlett's voice was choked with sobs.

"Julian, I'm so scared."

Julian's voice instantly tensed.

"What? You cut your hand?!"

He turned without hesitation.

"I have to go. You get some rest."

"Julian," I gasped, a sharp, cramping pain suddenly seizing my lower abdomen.

I clutched my stomach, my other hand reaching out to grab the corner of his coat.

He glanced down, his features tightening with impatience.

"Avalon, don't play the victim right now."

"Her situation is critical. I have to go."

He pried my fingers off his coat, one by one.

Without a backward glance, he strode out the door.

I sank to the floor, cold sweat drenching my back.

I called 911 and went to New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Alone.

Lying in the sterile hospital bed.

I held the thin ultrasound report, my hand stroking my still-flat belly.

My baby... I'm so sorry. You came at the worst possible time.

I clenched my fists.

But you're here now. And I will protect you. I will get us out of here.

I called my lawyer, sent the evidence I had, and began to make my plans.

Just as I was leaving my room, I saw Julian carefully supporting Scarlett as they walked out of the VIP clinic down the hall.

Scarlett had a childish cartoon band-aid on her index finger.

He was whispering something to her, his expression impossibly gentle.

Scarlett looked up, and her gaze locked with mine.

She stopped, tugging on Julian's sleeve.

He followed her gaze, and his face shifted.

Scarlett broke free from his arm and walked straight toward me.

She stared at my face, a slow, cruel smile spreading across her lips.

"Some things are destined to return to their rightful owner. I'd almost forgotten what I used to look like."

Her words were light as a feather, yet they struck me like a physical blow.

She raised her hand, as if to touch my cheek.

I flinched away. "Don't touch me. I'm nothing like you."

Seeing my rejection, she shoved me hard.

I stumbled back, and my hand flew up to strike her.

Julian rushed over, shielding Scarlett with his body.

"Avalon, she's a patient. Don't stoop to her level."

I slapped him. Hard. Across the face.

He didn't even flinch. His gaze fell to the paper clutched in my hand.

He snatched the ultrasound report and scanned the results.

A deep line formed between his brows.

"Avalon, we can't have this child right now."

"Scarlett is pregnant, too. She has severe borderline personality disorder and can't handle any kind of shock."