Chapter 17
It was clear–Arthur intended to bow to William’s demand and force her to beg before Emily’s hospital bed in a show of remorse. But she wondered, “Why should I?‘
Arthur and Belinda both knew that it was Agnes who had pushed Emily down the stairs, leaving her in a vegetative state. And yet, they still insisted that Camila take the fall.
She had once longed for their love, and for that, she had paid the price–a five–year prison sentence, a broken leg, partial hearing loss, and the loss of a kidney.
Her body had been torn apart, battered beyond repair. And now, they wanted her to pay for Harry’s recklessness, too.
For the sake of the Jackson Group, she had no doubt they would come after her again. She resented the Jackson family–but she feared William even
more.
She had already endured his cruelty once in prison. That time had been the darkest chapter of her life. She refused to live through it again. Her body wouldn’t survive another round of torment.
She had to leave Sancho. The farther, the better. Somewhere they would never find her. Somewhere she could live in peace, away from their grasp.
She counted the cash in her hands–650 dollars, all given to her by Hazel. The thought of Hazel made her vision blur. She wondered, ‘Would I ever have the chance to repay her kindness?‘
Standing by the roadside, she spent a long time trying to hail a taxi before one finally pulled up.
“Where to?” The driver rolled down the window.
“How much to Neelum City Railway Station?”
“Leaving, Sancho, huh? If it were daytime, a hundred dollars would be enough. But this late at night, it’ll cost more–180 dollars. That okay?”
Camila didn’t hesitate. She got in. She had already made up her mind.
She would leave Sancho as soon as possible. Once she reached Neelum City Railway Station, she would take a train to Glares City–a remote city in northeastern Laystoland.
She had heard that property there was the cheapest in the country. Several thousand dollars was enough to buy a place to live. It was perfect for
someone like her.
As long as she stayed away from big cities, avoided crowds, and disappeared into a cold, desolate, resource–depleted place like Glares City, the Jackson family would never find her. For the first time in years, she felt a spark of hope.
Leaning against the car window, she gazed out at the glittering skyline of Sancho.
Towering skyscrapers lined the streets, their facades illuminated by neon lights flashing designer logos and high–end advertisements, adding to the city’s dazzling charm
The soft, golden glow of the streetlights washed over her face, casting a rare warmth on her cold features.
The roads were nearly empty, and the taxi sped through the quiet city. Two hours later, she arrived at Neelum City Railway Station.
ain. Just one more hour, and she’d be gone.
Camila took out her ID and bought a ticket. Luck was on her side–she managed to get one for the 1 AM train. Just
At this late hour, the waiting hall was nearly deserted. She found a quiet corner and sat down to rest.
fatigue crept over her, her body heavy with exhaustion. Between her weariness and her impaired hearing, she barely registered the faint announcements
over the intercom.
12
Chapter 17
Some time passed before another broadcast echoed through the station. “Attention, passengers. The train from Neelum City to Glares City is now boarding. Please have your tickets and belongings ready and proceed to the ga
gate for check–in.”
Camila’s eyes snapped open. She quickly turned toward the gate. A line had already formed.
Excitement surged through her chest. As long as she got past this checkpoint and onto the train, the Jackson family would never be able to find her again.
She wasted no time. Standing up, she hurried to join the queue. Step by step, she followed the passengers ahead of her, gripping her ticket tightly.
When it was finally her turn, she immediately handed it over to the ticket agent.
Just as the agent reached for it, a large hand suddenly shot out from the side, enveloping both her slender fingers and the ticket in an iron grip.
Camila’s breath caught. She turned sharply, her pupils contracting in shock.
AD
