CHAPTER 57

FRANKIE

I turn in bed for the hundredth time; the silk sheets that once felt luxurious now twist around me like chains. Sleep refuses to come, Kimberly's words echoing in my head like a broken record. The empty space beside me feels like a mockery - I'd gotten used to his warmth, his presence, and now the bed feels too big, too cold. I don't hate Rafael for what he's doing. How can I when the real pain comes from knowing I wasn't enough to change his mind? I feel like such an idiot for thinking I could be different that I could matter enough to stop him from destroying the man my sister loves.

Fresh tears burn behind my eyes as I imagine Melina's world shattering when she learns about what Thomas has done. Shame claws at my chest - here I am, aching for the very man who's going to cause her so much pain. God, what kind of sister does that make me? I've never felt so fucking helpless, so desperate to do something, anything, to stop