Madelyn glanced at Ethan and quickly looked away, feeling guilty. She was not sure if it was because she had used him or kept secrets from him.

Ethan said, "The doctors said it's just appendicitis, nothing serious. You'll be fine soon, okay? Just stay here in the hospital—"

Interrupting him, Madelyn, looking down and leaning against the bed, stared at her hand on the blanket. Her hair was a mess, and she looked pale and tired. "It wasn't appendicitis; it was a hysterectomy."

Ethan felt a wave