Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

As she was lost in thought, Naomi hefted her purse and broke the silence.

"Sylvia, why don't you go say hi to Chris? He's really gone out of his way to help you these past few days."

"Sure," Sylvia replied, tugging on her coat and heading down the hallway toward the doctors' offices.

She pushed open the door. "Dr. Chris, I-"

But instead of just Chris, there was another man sitting across from him—a guy in a lab coat, sporting a cartoonish baseball cap. He turned when he heard her voice, his gaze cold and snake-like but with a hint of a smirk curling at the edge of his mouth.noveldrama

Sylvia froze, her hand still on the doorknob, feeling like her legs had been bolted to the floor.

The man slipped his hands into the pockets of his lab coat, raising an eyebrow. "Do I know you?"

The tone was eerily familiar. Same words, same inflection. Last time, though, he'd been holding a garden hose and threatening her.

Snapping back to the present, Sylvia gripped the door tighter, her eyes darting between the two men, startled.

"You guys... You look so much alike! Jeez, you scared me," she blurted out, forcing a laugh.

Chris jumped up, realizing the confusion. "Oh, right! I forgot to introduce you. This is my younger brother, Caleb. He's just started his residency here-must've missed him before."

That explained it. In her previous life, Sylvia had been married to Rupert by this time and pregnant, stuck at home all day. No wonder she'd never met Caleb.

She smiled, a little shaky. "Wow, you really are twins. If nobody told me, I'd totally mix you up."

Caleb stepped forward and offered his hand. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Lloyd. I swear, you look familiar. Have we met before?"

Sylvia shook his hand, chuckling. "Dr. Chris, I get that line at least ten times a year. Next time, try something new."

Chris shot a warning glance at his brother and pulled him back. "Caleb, knock it off. She's not someone you should be flirting with."

Caleb rolled his eyes. “Just kidding," he said, but Sylvia could feel his gaze lingering, like he was searching for something in her expression.

She kept her poker face, laughing it off, but inside, panic was rising. Caleb was testing her. Both he and Bridget suspected her of something, but neither had any real proof. Best to play dumb.

kid nel

Suddenly, Caleb glanced at his watch, putting on a show of impatience. "I've gotta get back to my department, Chris. Got a kid scheduled for surgery this afternoon, and need to prep with my O attending."

"Take it easy, alright? Be careful," Chris replied, sounding more like a dad than a brother.

Caleb watched Sylvia for her reaction to the watch-nothing-so he turned and left, closing the door behind him.

As soon as he was gone, Sylvia's body started trembling uncontrollably.

A pediatric surgery? How

bea

dhe

near children, knowing

what he was really like-a monster?

gas his what had happened to her

own Stella?

Chris noticed her distress, his voice full of concern. "Sylvia? Are you okay?"

"I..." was all she managed before her vision went black and she collapsed backward.

But she didn't hit the floor. Someone caught her, lifting her up, strong arms cradling her.

A deep voice rumbled in her ear. “What's going on? I thought she was doing better."

Chris answered, nervous. "Her test results look fine. I... I'm not sure. Let's get her checked out."

They ran her through another round of tests. Everything came back clean-no problems at all.

Chris frowned at the report, glancing warily at Rupert, who stood nearby, radiating icy disapproval.

"You know, Rupert, there's something I've been meaning to mention about Sylvia's health."

"What is it?" Rupert asked, tense.

"Physically, she's perfectly healthy. But... her records show she's had treatment

for psychological issues before. Did you know about that?"