First message
Anastasia clutched her best friend's hands in the hospital corridor, mascara streaking down her cheeks.
"Please, sweet girl. You're the only person I trust."
She sniffled, squeezing harder.
"The doctors said Beau's memory is damaged. They think familiar routines might help him recover, but he doesn't even recognize me!"
Another lie. The doctors had said nothing of the sort.
"I just need you to pretend you're his wife until he gets better. Please? After everything I've done for you, you're really going to leave me to handle this alone?"
Her bottom lip trembled.
"You know how much I love him."
Minutes later, Anastasia pushed open Beau's hospital door. Sterling stood beside the bed, moving closer to her as she approached.
"Beau, honey, this is your wife."
She gestured toward her best friend with a sugary smile.
Beau stared at her, visibly confused. For one terrifying second, Anastasia thought he might contradict her.
"Oh."
His voice was barely audible. His hazel eyes flickered toward Sterling, whose hand rested against Anastasia's waist.
Then Beau looked back at her best friend.
"Right. My wife."
Anastasia nearly sighed with relief.
Perfect.
She slipped her arm around her best friend's shoulders, smiling brightly.
"See, sweet girl? He trusts you already. I knew you'd do this for me."