Page 88 of Ruthless Serenade

I nod silently, years of painful memories hanging between us.

"And Dr. Anderson," Alexis continues, her voice taking on an almost reverent quality, "she has this way of getting to the truth. No matter how deeply it’s buried." She pauses, fingers twisting in her lap. "She’s the reason I’m here. I never would have found the courage to face you after everything I’ve done if it weren’t for her."

"I’m glad you did, Lex," I whisper, reaching for her hand. "I want us to be sisters again. To be there for each other, no matter what."

Alexis squeezes my fingers, her eyes glistening. "We will be, Mindy. That is everything I want." She takes a sip of coffee, eyes closing briefly before they snap open again. "Where’s Sharon?"

I hesitate, the weight of recent events pressing down on me. "A lot has happened since we last talked."

Alexis’s brow furrows. "What do you mean?"

"Sharon’s in hospital," I confess, the words feeling heavy on my tongue. "And Maron is back."

Her eyes widen, coffee cup freezing halfway to her lips. "Holy shit. Is Sharon okay? Please tell me it’s nothing serious!" She sets down her cup with a clatter. "And Maron? So, he’s alive?"

The whole messy story spills out of me like a burst dam - Sharon’s emergency surgery, Maron’s sudden reappearance, my unceremonious firing. I carefully dance around certain... intimate details, but even the sanitized version sounds like chaos.

"...and there’s Maron Korolev for you," I finish, my voice cracking slightly. "Trying to reason with him is like talking to abag of potatoes. He tossed me out like yesterday’s garbage, but I know he’ll be back. Now that he knows about Sharon, he’ll want to be in her life."

Alexis lets out a low whistle, her lips twisting into a wry smile. "Jesus, sis. If this was a romance novel, you’d be topping the bestseller lists." Her expression sobers. "But maybe this distance is for the best? I mean... Maron is dangerous."

Deep down, I know she’s right. Getting involved with Maron again is like playing with fire. But what Alexis doesn’t understand is that he’s like a drug in my system, one I can’t just flush out no matter how hard I try. And now that he knows he’s Sharon’s father... he won’t just disappear again.

"I know I should stay away," I say softly. "But it’s not that simple anymore, Lex. We have a daughter..."

She sighs, her face a canvas of conflicting emotions. "That’s exactly my point, Mindy. Think about Sharon. About the future you want for her. Getting tangled up with Maron again... that’s a risky game for both of you."

I stand abruptly, desperate to escape this conversation before I drown in the undertow of my feelings. "Come on," I force brightness into my voice. "Let’s get you settled." I lead her to my bedroom, pushing open the door with exaggerated cheer. "You can take my room. I’ll crash in Sharon’s for now."

Alexis’s frown deepens, concern etched in the lines around her eyes. "I’m sorry if I overstepped, Mindy. Your relationship with Maron... it’s not my place."

I run a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. "It’s fine, Lex," I say, but the words ring hollow. "It’s just... complicated."

She takes my hand, squeezing it gently. "Don’t worry, sis. Whatever happens, I’m here now. You can count on me."

Chapter Forty-One

Mindy

"For God's sake, move it!"

I drum my fingers against the steering wheel, weaving through an endless sea of brake lights. The hospital is still fifteen minutes away, and every second without my baby girl is like torture. Three days of not having her home has left a hollowness in my chest that only her presence can fill.

My stomach churns with a different kind of anxiety when I think about her seeing Alexis at our place. The surgery was hard enough - seeing Sharon so small in that hospital bed nearly broke me - but now I’m terrified she’ll retreat into herself completely. Having her aunt suddenly staying with us is going to be a big deal for her.

"Goddamnit!" I slam my palm against the wheel as traffic grinds to a complete halt. Desperate for distraction, I rummage through the glove compartment and thank whatever deity is listening when my fingers close around a Mars bar.

The chocolate melts on my tongue, and my thoughts drift to yesterday - how Alexis and I spent hours making Sharon’s room perfect. After years of distance between us, watching my sister blow up balloons and carefully hang the "Welcome Home, Honey Bunny!" banner above Sharon’s bed felt like healing something I thought would stay broken forever.

Finally, after what feels like years trapped in gridlock, I pull into St. Mary’s parking lot. My heart picks up speed with every step toward Sharon’s room, already picturing my baby’s tangled golden curls and bright blue eyes that can light up my whole world. She’ll be sitting cross-legged on the bed with her favorite stuffed bunny, waiting for her mama, ready to jump into my arms...

I push open the door with a smile already spreading across my face, but it dies instantly.

The room is empty.

The bed is made, sheets pulled tight and sterile. But there’s no Sharon. No welcome. No jumping in Mommy’s arms. Just the hollow echo of my own breathing in a cold, empty room.

What the hell?

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