Chapter One Hundred & Five

A tremor coursed through Emma's body as her gaze settled on Tina, bracing herself for a jest or quip to break the tension. However, her companion remained silent.

"How did you come upon this information?" Emma's voice was barely a whisper, her expression a mixture of fear and disbelief.

Tina hesitated, her gaze flickering downwards towards her fidgeting hands. With a deep breath, she raised her eyes to meet Emma's. "The officer who was keeping watch over me at the hospital...we got to talking more than we probably should have," she confessed, a blush creeping across her cheeks. Normally, Emma would have teased her about it, injecting a playful remark to lighten the mood. But now, she felt as though the ground had given way beneath her.

Emma's mind raced, her mouth opening but no words coming out. She was too stunned to formulate a response.

Emma's hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the hospital bed attempting to stand up. "I can't resign," she declared, shaking her head in disa