This is bad news. Your ex is—”

I sat down on the edge of my bed. My chest suddenly felt tight.

“Your ex is in the hospital. He collapsed yesterday, just after you left. Stroke. It’s serious.”

I didn’t say anything for what felt like a full minute. Just blinked at the wall. The last thing I had said to him—screamed at him—was basically “you ruined my life.”

I cleared my throat, trying to sound composed. “Is he… is he awake?”

“They’re not sure yet. ICU. I only called because his daughter—your stepdaughter, Priya—wanted to reach you. I have the hospital info.”

I didn’t even think. I just grabbed my keys.

The hospital was only twenty minutes away, but my hands trembled the whole drive. I had loved Charles once. Deeply. We met at 23, married by 25, built a life