“Promise me you won’t do anything foolish again,” I demanded. “Or this will be your last warning.”

“I…” she choked out between coughs as I finally let her go. She leaned against the wall, struggling to breathe.

“My only wish was to love you, to make you my wife,” I said bitterly. “But maybe you don’t deserve that kindness. Now, I’ll make you mine — whether you want it or not.”

She shoved me away and ran to the door, banging on it with all her strength. ...