Echoes of Secrets (Obsidian MC #7)

Chapter Thirteen

Evie

“Ms. Winters. It’s good to see you again,” Dr. Collins says, her tone professional yet warm as she steps into the room and takes a seat across from me.

“You too,” I reply with a polite smile, though curiosity prickles at the back of my mind. “But my next appointment isn’t for several months. Why was I asked to come in?”

Dr. Collins sets a folder on the desk between us, her expression calm but with a glimmer of something I can’t quite place. Excitement? Anticipation?

“Well, Ms. Winters, we received a call from a prosthetic company called Haven Orthotics and Prosthetics. Are you familiar with them?”

I shake my head. “No, I can’t say I am.”

She nods, steepling her fingers as she continues. “They’re one of the leading developers of advanced prosthetics, specializing in designs that cater to the unique needs of their clients. They’ve pioneered technology that not only provides mobility but also offers a significant degree of comfort and natural movement. Recently, they reached out to our practice after hearing about your case.”

My heart stumbles over itself as I try to process his words. “My case?” I echo, my voice barely above a whisper. “My issues with the insurance company?”

“Yes,” she confirms, leaning forward slightly. “It seems your story caught their attention through a mutual connection, a patient advocacy organization that wishes to remain anonymous. Anyway, Haven Orthotics has reviewed your medical history and would like to provide you with one of their top-of-the-line prosthetics at no cost to you.”

For a moment, all I can do is stare at her, my brain struggling to comprehend what she’s just said. “No cost?” I manage to choke out.

She smiles, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “That’s correct. They would like to donate the prosthetic to you as part of their initiative to help individuals who may not have access to the latest advancements in prosthetic technology.”

Tears sting my eyes as the weight of her words sinks in. “Why me?” I ask, shaking my head slightly. “I’m sure there are so many people who need this more.”

“Ms. Winters,” she says gently, her tone reassuring, “you deserve this as much as anyone. The challenges you’ve faced and the resilience you’ve shown are inspiring. Haven Orthotics believes you’ll be an excellent ambassador for their work and an example of how these prosthetics can transform lives.”

I swallow hard, the lump in my throat making it nearly impossible to speak. “What… what does this mean? What happens next?”

Dr. Collins’ expression shifts to one of focus as she explains, “The first step will be a consultation with Haven’s team to discuss your specific needs and lifestyle. From there, they’ll design a prosthetic tailored just for you. Once it’s ready, they’ll work closely with you on fitting and rehabilitation to ensure optimal comfort and function.”

A mix of hope and fear bubbles up inside me. “How long does the process take?”

“Each case is unique,” she says, “but the initial consultation can be scheduled as early as tomorrow. From there, the fabrication and fitting process may take a few months, depending on the complexity of the design. However, with Haven’s advanced techniques, they’ve been able to significantly reduce the timeline compared to traditional methods.”

I nod, trying to keep my composure as emotions swirl within me. “This… this is incredible,” I whisper.

“It is,” Dr. Collins agrees with a smile. “You’ll be working with some of the best in the field. And Evalynn, this is a chance for you to regain so much of what you’ve lost. I believe it’s an opportunity worth taking.”

I pause, her words sinking in, but there’s a nagging thought I can’t shake. “Dr. Collins,” I start hesitantly, “what about the phantom pain? Do they… do they know I have it? Will it make a difference?”

Her expression softens, her tone taking on a reassuring calmness. “Yes, they’re fully aware of your medical history, including the phantom pain. In fact, from my understanding, their prosthetics are designed with this in mind.”

“Will wearing it help?” I ask, hope flickering in my chest, but I brace for the answer.

Dr. Collins tilts her head thoughtfully. “It can, but not in the way you might think. For some individuals, the sensation of having a prosthetic limb, something tangible where the missing limb used to be, can help the brain recalibrate, reducing the frequency or intensity of phantom pain over time. However…”

The weight of her tone makes my heart sink. “However?”

“However, in the short term, it’s possible the pain may increase,” she explains carefully. “When you first start using the prosthetic, your body will go through a period of adjustment. The nerves in your residual limb will be stimulated in new ways, and that can sometimes exacerbate phantom pain initially. But as your body adapts, it often improves.”

I bite my lip, processing her words. “So, it might get worse before it gets better?”

“Potentially, yes,” she says honestly. “But the team at Haven Orthotics will work closely with you throughout the process. They’ll customize the prosthetic to minimize irritation, and you’ll have access to specialists who can help you manage the pain, both physically and psychologically.”

I nod slowly, the idea both daunting and hopeful. “And if it doesn’t help? If it makes it worse long term?”

Dr. Collins meets my gaze, her voice steady. “If that happens, we’ll reassess. The prosthetic is just one tool in your journey, Evalynn. It’s not the solution to everything, but it’s a step. It’s a chance to reclaim parts of your life that may feel out of reach right now. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and there’s no wrong decision.”

Her words settle over me like a safety net, and I take a deep breath. “Okay,” I say softly. “I just… I needed to ask. I’ve been dealing with this for so long, and I don’t want to make it worse.”

“I understand,” she replies, her tone kind. “And I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”

As I leave the office, I can’t help but feel excited. And so freaking scared.

Mitchell

“Mitchell,” Evie greets with a smile as she opens her apartment door. “I didn’t know you were coming over. Come in.”

I hesitate, guilt flooding me as I step into her space. I’ve been trying to figure out how to say what needs to be said. She deserves the truth, but I can’t find the right words. Not when her smile is so warm, so full of life.

“I just came to talk,” I admit, stepping around her wheelchair and waiting for her to shut the door behind me. I can feel the weight of what I’m about to do hanging heavily on my chest.

“Good,” she says excitedly. “Me first.”

I look at her curiously, watching as she turns to face me, her eyes shining with an energy I’ve yet to see from her.

“My doctor asked me to come in today and told me that my case was pulled by some organization, and they’ve approved me for a prosthetic at no cost,” she says, her voice bubbling with excitement. “Can you believe that? It’s really happening, Mitchell. They said they have a prosthetic that’ll work for me, and the best part is that they’ve even considered the phantom pain. They’re going to help me with that, too.” She pauses, giving me a moment to react. As if she expects me to share in her excitement.

I swallow hard, the words I’ve been rehearsing, words that would shatter everything between us, clogging in my throat. I want to be happy for her. I should be happy for her. She’s getting a chance at a new life, one that could change everything for her. I have an acquaintance who works at Haven Prosthetics, and I told him about Evie’s insurance issues. Before I could even ask, he was already texting her information to someone. He refused to let me pay saying that the whole point of what they do was to help those who needed it. I still plan to donate a hefty amount to the organization once everything in my life settles down.

But right now, Evie’s life is in more danger by being with me. I didn’t even want to come to her apartment in case someone was watching. But I can’t do this over the phone.

The reality of my past, everything I’ve been trying to keep hidden, rises up in my chest, a suffocating knot of regret and fear. I can’t let her be part of that. I can’t let her get tangled in the mess I’ve created.

Someone was on my property last night. There were three cigarette butts on my porch this morning. Someone sat out here for a long time. It was Viktor. I just know it. Seraphina said he found me. Now, he wants me to know it, too. I won’t risk Evie’s life. I have to keep her safe. Even if the cost is breaking her heart.

She looks at me expectantly, waiting for me to say something. I smile weakly, hiding the conflict I feel.

“That’s amazing, Princess,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “I’m so happy for you. This is huge.”

She beams, her face glowing with hope, and I feel a pang in my chest. She deserves this. She deserves every bit of happiness she’s getting, but I’m not the one who can give it to her.

But then, as she finishes telling me everything, her eyes narrow, and she looks at me closely.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, a note of concern creeping into her voice. “You don’t look… You don’t look as happy as you should be.”

I try to mask it, but it’s impossible to hide. The truth is right there, in the way my chest tightens and my mouth goes dry. She can see something.

I try to smile, but it feels hollow. “I am happy,” I say, the words sounding like a lie even to my own ears.

Evie studies me for a moment longer, the silence hanging heavy between us. Then, as if a switch flips, she looks away as if she’s processing something I haven’t said.

I have to end this now before she gets hurt… Or killed.

“Evie,” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. “There’s something I need to say.”

Her gaze snaps back to me, and her eyes soften with concern. “What’s wrong?”

I suck in a breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I prepare to rip apart the only thing that’s made me feel whole in a very long time.

“I think it’s best if we… stop seeing each other,” I say, my throat tightening with each word. “I can’t keep you in this life. You deserve more, and I can’t protect you from my past.”

Her face falls, confusion flickering across her features. “Mitchell, what are you talking about? You can’t-”

“I’m dangerous, Evie,” I cut in, my voice harder now. “I’ve put you in danger already just by being near you, and I can’t…” I break off, swallowing hard. “You can’t be part of this. Not with my uncle right on my doorstep. Literally. He was there last night while I slept. I can only hope and pray that he doesn’t already know about you. You deserve a future, and I’m scared I won’t be able to protect you long enough to have one.”

I step back, my chest tightening painfully. This is it. The end. The moment I walk away from her forever.

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, and her voice wavers as she speaks. “But… I don’t want this to end. We’ve only just begun. I understand the risks.”

Her words pierce through me, each one like a blade to the chest. I can barely breathe, the weight of my decision crushing me. I’m not strong enough to be the man she needs. Not strong enough to protect her from my past. She’s my weakness. Something my uncle would exploit without a second thought.

And that’s the terrifying truth. When it comes to Evie, I’d give that bastard whatever the hell he wanted if it meant keeping her safe. That’s the part that scares me the most. I’d break every moral I have. Obey every twisted command he gave, just to ensure her safety. He can never find out about her.

I force myself to take a step toward the door, but the sound of her voice stops me in my tracks. She’s calling my name, her tone filled with desperation, confusion, and hurt. It twists the knife in my chest. Still, I keep moving, each step away from her like tearing off pieces of myself.

“Mitchell, I’m willing to take that risk,” she whispers, her voice breaking as I reach for the door.

I pause, my hand hovering over the doorknob. For a brief moment, I consider turning back. But I can’t. I won’t. She deserves better than the chaos and danger that follow me like a shadow.

“I’m not,” I say, my voice low and firm. Then I step through the door, shutting it behind me without looking back.

As I descend the stairs, an emptiness spreads through me, gnawing at my insides. It feels like I’ve left a part of myself back in that apartment. Evie has my heart, and though I know she’ll keep it safe, it doesn’t make walking away any easier.

This pain… it’s worse than when I learned my family had been murdered. Back then, I packed up and ran to the States, hoping to avoid the same fate at my uncle’s hands. Fear dictated my every move. I became a ghost to survive.

But now, I’m not running. I’m not hiding. And I sure as hell am not scared.

I’m fucking pissed.

This ends here. Whatever it takes, I’ll deal with my uncle. Not for me, but for her. Because Evie deserves a life free of shadows and I’ll do whatever it takes to give it to her.