“Yes,” I whisper to the doctor, all the while looking at Dante, and I see his face visibly contort with rage at my confession.

“Does breast cancer run in your family, Annie?” the doctor asks, grabbing my hand. Tears fall from my eyes as I watch Dante, who is now standing tall and seems even more distant. He knows I lied to him… he knows I kept this from him.

“Yes, my mother passed away a few months ago from it,” I barely whisper, my heart thumping in my chest. His body isn’t moving, but I know he is retreating. He is removing me from his heart. I can see it, I can feel it, and my heart is beginning to break because of it.

“Okay, well, we have removed the mass and sent that off for testing, and we should have the results later today. I had a look around at your lymph nodes and other areas, and I couldn’t see any other masses or any other issues. I will talk to you later once we have the results and we’ll work out a plan of action after that. I will organize the nurses to come in now and help you with a shower and something to eat. Rest up, and I will be back later today,” she says to me with a small smile, but I can’t look at her, my eyes filling with more tears as I stare at Dante. I can feel his anger permeating from his body. The doctor looks from me to Dante and back again before patting my hand and walking out of the room.

“Dante…” I begin to speak, but he cuts me off.

“You fucking lied to me, Red. I asked you, time and time again. We spoke about your mom, your past, and not once did you mention having a fucking lump in your body. All I ask from people is honesty. All I wanted was for you to tell me the goddamn truth!” His voice rises as he begins to pace the room at the foot of my bed.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” I cry out, tears now falling freely, my weakened voice now betraying me because I can’t get his attention like I need to. “Dante, please, let me explain.” I try and gather my racing thoughts, the drugs in my system doing nothing to help clear my foggy mind.

“I told you I hate liars. I told you that small white lies fester and things get out of control. This is exactly what Angelina did, she lied. Her small lies grew into bigger ones, and because of her, Leo suffered. I told you, Annie, I fucking told you!” I can see the pain and torment in his eyes, and I hate myself for putting it there.

“Dante, please, please, just listen to me. Let me explain,” I plead, but I can’t even hear myself through my sobs.