“No, that gentleman is just a friend of mine. This is my husband”, Jane explained.

Miranda Winston had the grace to feel very embarrassed but quickly composed herself.

“I am sorry. Earlier, I thought your husband was very handsome. I did not expect him to be… uh… such a fine man.”

Miranda Winston saw Ethan in his wheelchair and wanted to offer him some polite praise, but when she noticed his scarred face, her eyes darted away, unable to lie outright.

She ...