Chapter 15
After leaving t the mall. Amelia still felt like she was in a dream, as if reality hadn’t fully sunk in.
Sharon, always quick to pick up on drama, couldn’t resist probing “Amelia, that guy was crazy handsome! How do you know hum? Is he into you?”
Amelia playfully nudged Sharon’s shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. He was just being nice”
“Nice? Please!” Sharon rolled her eyes with exaggerated flair. The way he stood up for you? That wasn’t just nice. I’m telling you, your love life is
about to take off!”
Amelia stayed quiet. After the heartbreak of her failed marriage, she’d become deeply skeptical about love.
Men like Vince Hollow–handsome, wealthy, and effortlessly kind–were out of her league
To make matters worse, he worked in entertainment, constantly surrounded by stunning women.
Someone like him couldn’t possibly fall for someone like her, a divorced woman with a painful past.
The more she thought about it, the clearer it became–it was a pipe dream
On their way
y back to the hospital, Sharon tummed a cheerful tune as they cruised down the road. ”
Suddenly, a bloodied woman appeared out of nowhere, dashing into their path.
Sharon slammed on the brakes, the car screeching loudly as it skidded to a stop just inches away from the woman.
Shaken, both Sharon and Amelia sat frozen for a moment
The woman, however, rushed to the car and began banging on the window desperately.
“Help me! Please, help me!” she screamed, her voice trembling.
Amelia’s breath hitched–she recognized the woman immediately
It was Karen Whitfield, the same woman she’d met at Evelyn’s Haven.
Without hesitation. Amelia opened the door.
Karen clambered inside, her entire body trembling. Her clothes were smeared with fresh, vivid blood.
Before Amelia could ask anything, Karen broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. “Please, help me! If I don’t get money for medicine, my husband and son will die.
“If they die, I’ll just go with them. You can’t leave us like this–I’ll haunt you if you
Her cries were frantic, heroice cracking with desperation
Amelia
took a st
dor
a steadying breath and said gently, “Calm down. Take a deep breath and tell me what’s going on.”
Karen hiccupped through her sobs. “My husband and son–they’re deathly ill. Without treatment, they’ll die!”
Amelia’s eyes flicked to Karen’s bloodied state. “What about your injuries? How did this happen“”
Karen’s sobs grew louder. The debt collectors beat me. They said if I don’t pay soon, they’ll kill me I don’t have any other options… I’m at the end of my rope…
Her voice was raw with despair.
Amelia, who had faced her own moments of hopelessness, felt a sharp pang of sympathy.
Amelia, who had faced her own moments of hopelessness, felt a sharp pang of sympathy.
She glanced at her phone, where the proceeds from selling her designer bug–a small fortune–sat untouched.
Evelyn, at least, had Sierra’s financial support for now
This money was supposed to be Amelia’s safety net, but seeing Karen in such a desperate state tore at her heart
1/2
9:27 AM
Chapter 15
With a heavy sigh, Amelia said. “Mrs. Whitfield, everyone has their own struggles. I’m trying to make ends meet too, but I can give you $ get your family to the hospital.”
Karen nodded urgently, tears streaming down her cheeks, “Yes, the hospital. But look at me- you help me get them there?”
Without hesitation, Amelia agreed. “Of course.”
$20.000 to
I’m injured, and my husband and son are critical. Can
Concerned for Sharon, who was visibly shaken and drained from the day’s events, Amelia dropped her off at home before taking Karen to the hospital herself
During the drive.
- e. Karen spoke endlessly about her husband and son’s conditions
The sharpness she’d shown before was gone, replaced by the quiet strength of a devoted wife and mother.
What a tragedy, Amelia thought. This innocent family was nothing more than collateral damage in Theo’s cruel schemes.
When they arrived at the house, Karen offered a nervous apology: “Sorry about the mess. My place is a bit chaotic?
d of mine recently
Amelia gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I grew up in chaos, and it’s been a friend
The interior was dark and damp, the air heavy with the musty scent of mildew
She reached out along the wall, searching for a light switch.
“Mrs. Whitfield, where’s the light switch” she asked into the shadows.
stumbling forward.
Before Karen could answer, a sudden and violent shove from behind sent Amelia st
Before she could regain her footing, a storm of fists, kicks, and clubs descended on her.
The blows landed with brutal force, as if her attackers were venting years of pent–up rage.
Pains
shot through her body with every strike.
Blood dripped from her mouth and nose as she tried to crawl away, leaving a smeared trail of red on the grimy floor.
The onslaught was relentless, reducing her to a defenseless heap. She couldn’t even summon the strength to beg for mercy.
