to the sofa。 For years she had lived
with the guilt of causing Crystal's death。
But there was new guilt now。 Ross had fallen in love with her and she
had allowed it to happen。 Since she couldn't marry him； he would be
hurt； which was the last thing she wanted。 He deserved the best； the
finest。 He deserved a wife and children and all those things she might
have wanted herself； had life been different。 Causing him pain increased
her own pain ten…fold。 Because； when all was said and done； she loved
him； too。
That was the deepest layer unearthed in her soul…search。 She did love
Ross； but it had no future。 There would always be yesterday and the
ghosts she lived with。 Ross had stolen her heart； but only a part。 The
rest had either died with Crystal； or died a little more each time she
saw the grief on her parents' faces。 Ross deserved a wholehearted woman。
She wanted that for him。
After developing a throbbing migraine； Chloe was in bed by eight； and
there was pain beyond her head。 Ross's scent clung to her sheets； the
remembered feel of his body scared her skin。 She burned inside； with no
outlet。
In time she fell asleep。 After two nights without； it was deep and
mercifully uninterrupted。 She woke up only when Lee hollered from the
foot of the stairs； 〃Chloe？ Rise and shine！〃
She yawned； stretched； remembered and felt pain； then r