Page 106 of The Broken Keys

I check my watch. Forty-three minutes until Cash comes to get me. Forty-three minutes of pacing this hallway like a caged animal waiting for scraps.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Axel has another update on the SUV investigation. I don’t even respond. Nothing matters right now except getting through the next hour without losing my mind.

The waiting room looms ahead. I go in and sink onto one of the cushioned chairs. I glance around.

It’s a nicely decorated room. I’m sure it’s meant to soothe people who are stressed, but it only reminds me of the contrast between what I want and what my reality is. The two aren’t even close.

My body is a tense wreck. Although inside I’m empty. The television mounted in the corner drones on with the late-night news. Hours have passed since I was supposed to tell Livianna everything and fight for our love.

Who knew our time was so limited?

The next segment of stories they’re reporting on begins.

“Our top coverage tonight remains focused on the traffic accident of former child star actress and now top fashion mogul, Livianna Hemings.”

My head snaps up.

A reporter stands at an intersection I recognize. Police tape circles off the area. Debris from the crash still litters the pavement. The camera pans across the scene as the reporter’s voice fills the waiting room.

“Earlier this afternoon, a serious car crash occurred involving fashion designer Livianna Hemings. Witnesses at the scene reported that the lead singer of the wildly popular rock band Mayhem, Cash Mayze, believed to be her on-again boyfriend, was seen attempting to render aid immediately following the collision.”

Her on-again boyfriend.

The detail pierces my soul with sickening precision.

“Information remains limited at this time, but sources indicate Ms. Hemings was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. We’ll continue to monitor this developing story and bring you updates as information becomes available.”

The broadcast cuts to the cast, who all pay their respects to Livianna and send well wishes for a speedy recovery.

I stare at the screen and shrink to a speck of dust. Even the media thinks they’re together. The world outside this hospital believes the narrative that erased me from her life.

I dig my fingers into my palms hard enough to leave marks.Cash Mayze, her on-again boyfriend.The phrase repeats in my mind like a curse I can’t shake.

They don’t know anything about us. Our time together is void.

They don’t know about our love affair that started in Paris, or the romantic trips we’ve shared in exotic locations, or the way she whispered my name in the dark. And most importantly, they have no clue about the baby we lost today.

All they see is what’s always been there. Cash and Livianna. The love story that started when they were kids and apparently never really ended.

The hour crawls by like years compressed into minutes. When Cash finally appears, he gets straight to it.

“She’s asleep. The painkillers knocked her out about ten minutes ago.”

I stand, my legs unsteady beneath me. “Thank you.”

Cash studies me for a long moment, weighing something. Then he surprises me.

“I’m giving you five minutes alone with her, Jaxon.”

My breath catches. “Really?”

“Five minutes. That’s it.” He relaxes a bit. “You’ve supported me for a long time. And you’ve supported Livianna’s career in ways I never could. Deep down, I know she’d want this. So I’m giving you time…for her.”

The gesture lands heavier than any billion-dollar deal could. “Cash?—”

“Don’t press your luck.” His tone hardens. “Five minutes, and then she needs to rest. That’s all you get.”

I nod because words won’t form past the lump in my throat.