Chapter 19
For the first time in her life, Camila felt protected. As she was overwhelmed, her tears fell even harder.
The older woman who had shielded her earlier patted her back gently, her voice warm and soothing. “There, there, sweetheart. If you don’t want to go with your brother, then you don’t have to.”
Camila’s sobs came to an abrupt halt. Through her tear–filled eyes, she stared at the woman in shock. “You… you knew he wasn’t a trafficker?”
The woman gave her a knowing smile. “That suit he’s wearing? Custom–made, at least six figures. And that watch on his wrist? A Vacheron Constantin- worth over 300 thousand dollars. No human trafficker dresses like that.”
Camila glanced toward Harry. Sure enough, he was still trapped in the middle of the enraged crowd, unable to break free.
“Then… why did you help me?” Camila asked.
The woman reached out, brushing a comforting hand over her head. “Because you didn’t want to go. And even if he is your brother, he has no right to
force you.
“Family isn’t about blood. Just because someone is related to you doesn’t mean they’re good for you. If your so–called family only brings you pain, then they aren’t family at all–they’re just shackles, holding you back.
“You have every right to walk away. You don’t owe them anything.
“A child who is truly loved wouldn’t be this thin, this frail. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I can tell it must have been unbearable. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be this desperate to escape.”
Camila’s
strangers broke free like a dam bursting. The understanding, the kindness she had begged for from her own family… she was receiving it from a
“Thank you. Thank you…” She could barely get the words out, choking on emotion.
The woman didn’t hesitate. She pushed Camila forward. “Run, sweetheart. As far as you can. Never let the people who hurt you find you again.”
Camila met her eyes one last time before turning and bolting toward the station exit. She forgot her leg was injured. She forgot the pain. There was only one thought hammering in her mind–run.
If Harry had been able to track her to Neelum City Railway Station, he could just as easily figure out she was headed for Glares City. That meant Glares City was no longer an option. Her ID was compromised. She couldn’t use it again.
She had to disappear. Even if it meant scavenging for food or begging on the streets, she would get as far away from Sancho as possible.
Behind her, she heard Harry’s voice shouting her name. She didn’t stop. This time, she would escape. The train station exit was just ahead. Hope flared in
her chest.
But the moment she stepped past the gate, a large hand suddenly clamped over her nose and mouth, pressing a cloth against her face.
The sharp, chemical scent flooded her senses before she could even struggle. Darkness swallowed her whole.
In the fading moments of her consciousness, she heard a voice laced with amusement. “Harry, your sister really knows how to make things difficult.”
“Take her home.“.
When Camila regained consciousness, she was in a moving car.
She barely had time to orient herself before Harry’s voice cut through the silence, cold and mocking, “Finally awake?”
16:17 Tue, 15 Apr
Chapter 19
Her heart sank. She had fought with everything she had, but in the end, she was still caught. All her efforts… had been for nothing.
She didn’t scream or struggle. She didn’t even acknowledge him. Instead, she reached for the door handle.
“Thinking of jumping?” Harry’s voice carried a hint of amusement. “Don’t bother. The doors are locked.”
Camila turned to face Kim, her expression blank. “Harry, do you enjoy controlling my life? Does it make you feel powerful?”
37%
His gaze was calm, unreadable, as if the question wasn’t even worth answering. That look. That absolute certainty that everything was within his grasp.
It was the look she hated most.
Her lips curled into a cold smile. “You better keep a close eye on me. Because if I escaped once, I can do it again.”
For the first time, Harry’s expression darkened. His voice dropped to a dangerous low. “Don’t you dare.”
AD
