<i>(</i><i>Virginia’s </i>POV<i>) </i>


    Dr. Morrison arrives within the hour, <b>his </b>gray hair neat despite being called out on a weeknight. He’s been treating my panic disorder since I was sixteen, knows all my triggers


    and tells.


    “How long since thest episode?” he asks, checking my pulse with practiced efficiency.


    “Almost a year,” Jasper answers for me. His hand rests on my shoulder, warm andforting, and I lean into the touch even though I feel like a fraud.


    “Any new stressors? Changes in routine?”


    Jasper and James exchange a look.


    “Some family drama,” James says carefully. “Nothing Virginia should have to worry about.”


    Dr. Morrison nods, making notes on his tablet. “Panic attacks often recur during times of emotional upheaval, even when the patient isn’t directly involved. The mind processes stress inplicated ways.”


    He turns to me with that gentle smile that always makes me feel like a child again. “How are you feeling <i>now</i>?”


    “Better,” I whisper. And it’s true. The attack is fading, leaving me drained but clearheaded. “Just tired.”


    “That’s normal. But I’m concerned about the intensity of this episode. It’s been a while since you’ve had one this severe.”


    “She’s been <i>doing </i>so well,” ir says from the doorway. “We thought maybe she’d outgrown


    them.”


    “Panic disorder doesn’t work that way, I’m afraid. It can lie dormant for months or even years, then return without warning.” He packs his equipment back into his bag. “Virginia, when was yourst physical?”


    I have to think. “Six months ago?”


    “Seven,” Jasper corrects. “It was supposed to best month, but you kept postponing.”


    Dr. Morrison frowns. “I’d like to move that up. Tomorrow, if possible. Sometimes physical issues can trigger panic attacks, and I want to rule out any underlying causes.”


    <Chapter 35


    “Of course,” James says immediately. “Whatever she needs.<b>” </b>


    “I’ll have my office call in the morning to confirm the time.” Dr. Morrison snaps his bag closed. “In the meantime, Virginia, try to avoid any additional stress. Rest, eat well, and call me if you have another episode.”


    After he leaves, the house falls into an ufortable silence. I can feel them all watching me, measuring my breathing, waiting for another attack.


    “I’m sorry,” I say finally. “I didn’t mean to worry everyone.”


    “Don’t apologize,” Jasper says firmly. “It’s not your fault.”


    But the guilt in his voice tells a different story. He thinks this is his fault somehow<i>. </i>Thinks his talk about Scarlett triggered my attack.


    “Maybe I should take you to the appointment tomorrow,” he says suddenly. “Dr. Morrison said to avoid stress, and going alone might…”


    “You don’t have to do that,” I protest weakly.


    “I want to. Besides, I owe you that much after tonight.”


    James nods approvingly. “That’s a good idea. Virginia needs support right now, not more upheaval.”


    The pieces fall into ce so perfectly it’s almost scary. Jasper will take me to the doctor tomorrow instead of going to see Scarlett. I’ll have another day to figure out how to handle the Lily situation.


    Another day to n how to make Scarlett disappear for good.


    “Thank you,” I whisper, letting my voice shake just a little. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”


    Jasper squeezes my hand, and I see something shift in his expression. The desperate need to chase after Scarlett has dimmed, reced by protective concern for me.


    Good.


    “Get some rest,” he says. “We’ll deal with everything else tomorrow.”


    I nod and head upstairs, but before I reach thending, I hear James speaking quietly to Jasper.


    “She’s been through enough stress for one day. Maybe it’s better if you don’t mention Scarlett around her for a while.”


    < Chapter 35


    “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking.”


    Perfect. They’re already protecting me from the truth without even realizing it.


    But as I lie in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, one thought keeps circling through my


    mind like a vulture.


    That little girl has Jasper’s eyes. His smile. His stubborn chin.


    And tomorrow, when I’m alone with him at the doctor’s office, I need to decide what I’m going to do about it.


    Because Lily isn’t just Scarlett’s daughter.


    She’s the one thing that could destroy everything I’ve worked for.


    And I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that never happens.


    Violet Moon


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