“Don’t talk nonsense,” Jared whispered angrily.

“Nonsense?” Courtney challenged.

“Announce our engagement tomorrow, or I’ll tell everyone the truth.”

Jared went completely silent, and that silence wounded me more deeply than any physical blow ever could.

I shuffled back toward my room, but I collapsed on the floor before I could reach the safety of the bed.

A nurse hurried in to help me up.