The slap arrived without warning, a sharp, violent strike across Valerie’s face that snapped her head sideways, the sound reverberating through the corridor with a brutality that silenced conversations instantly. Valerie staggered backward, one hand flying toward her burning cheek, the other shielding her stomach with primal urgency, while shock, humiliation, and physical pain flooded her senses simultaneously.
Gasps erupted from stunned witnesses.
A nurse rushed forward immediately, concern etched across her face. “Ma’am, are you injured, because we need to assess you right away,” she asked urgently, guiding Valerie toward a nearby chair.
Valerie could not respond.
Her vision blurred through rising tears, yet her gaze locked desperately upon Connor, waiting for him to finally reclaim the role of husband rather than spectator. He stood motionless, his silence now louder than Sabine’s assault.
Then came the second blow.