ELLA'S POVI replayed Mrs. Emerson's heartbreaking words over and over in my mind, each time feeling the dagger thrust deeper in my chest. "I'm so sorry, Ella...your father, he's gone. He was hit by a car and...he's been in the hospital, in serious condition. But there was no money, no way to afford the care he needed." All this time, my father had been alive, suffering, just mere blocks away - and I'd had no idea. If only I'd known, if only I'd been able to find him sooner. Maybe, just maybe, I could have helped, could have done something to save him. The tears flowed freely down my cheeks as I crumpled to the floor, my father's farewell letter clenched tightly in my trembling hands. "I'm so sorry, Dad," I choked out, the words barely audible through my sobs. "I should have found you, I should have tried harder. If I'd only known..."The sound of the front door creaking open made me start, my head whipping around to see my mother hurrying into the living room. Her brow raised as
ELLA'S POVI struggled helplessly against the man's iron grip, my heart pounding as his foul breath ghosted across my face. Panic surged through me, as I tried in vain to break free of his clutches. But his hand clamped down harder over my mouth, muffling my cries.Tears streamed down my cheeks as the other man moved in, his hands reaching for the buttons of my blouse. "No, please!" I tried to plead, the words barely audible. This couldn't be happening, I couldn't let them do this to me.Just as I was about to give in, a movement in the shadows caught my eye and the man's hand was wrenched away from my mouth with such force that he was sent sprawling. "Don't you dare touch her!" My rescuer snarled, his frame towering over the man holding me down. Without pause, he whirled on the second assailant, hauling him up by the collar and hurling him bodily against the alley wallAs my vision began to clear, I realized that it was Trent - his green eyes blazing with fury as he advanced on the
ELLA'S POVI finished the last bite of my decadent crêpes, savoring the rich flavors on my tongue. Trent had insisted on taking me to a fancy french restaurant. As I set down my spoon, I felt the recent emotions weighing down on me.Trent returned from the front, sliding into the chair across from me. "All taken care of." As I swallowed the final morsel, I set down my fork and dabbed at the corners of my mouth with my napkin. "That was delicious, Trent. Thank you for bringing me here, but I really should be getting home now."But before I could stand, Trent placed a hand on my arm, halting me. "Not so fast, We've got a few places to go first."I raised my brow. "Other places? Trent, we just wanted to grab a bite to eat, isn't that what you said?"He chuckled. "Yeah, well, I changed my mind. I just want to make sure you leave here with a smile on that pretty face of yours."I felt my cheeks warm at his words, annoyed at how easily he could still get under my skin. "And why, pray tell,
ELLA'S POVMy heart pounded as Trent and I approached the hospital building. After days of searching, we had finally tracked down the location where Mr. Stewart's ex-wife was being held. Swallowing hard, I tugged nervously at the blouse we had purchased for this mission."Are you sure this is going to work?" I whispered anxiously to Trent. "What if we get caught?"He gave my hand a squeeze. "Relax, Ella. This is going to work. Just follow my lead, okay?"I took a deep breath and smoothed the blouse, trying to project an air of confidence I didn't quite feel. We pushed through the hospital's front doors, the sterile smell of disinfectant assaulting my senses.Trent walked up to the nurse's station, flashing the woman behind the counter a charming smile. "Excuse me. I'm Tristan, and this is my colleague Eliza. We're social workers from the state service office. We have an appointment to see a patient - Lydia Stewart."The nurse eyed us as she took in our blouse, assessing whether we tr
ELLA'S POV"Oh no," I breathed, panic surging through me. I glanced at Trent, his expression mirroring the dread I felt."And who exactly are you people?" The nurse demanded, her eyes narrowing.Trent straightened his shoulders. "We're her family. We were just coming to check up on her." But the nurse wasn't having it. She reached for the phone on the wall. "Security, we have a situation here in room 315," she barked into the receiver. "Two individuals claiming to be social workers, but I believe they're imposters."Desperate, I surged forward and gripped her arm. "Please, you have to listen to us. But the nurse pulled away, her expression hardening. "Security is on their way. I suggest you two come quietly before this escalates further."Trent leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ella, we have to get out of here. Now."I hesitated, my gaze darting between the nurse and Lydia's prone form on the bed. But the sound of pounding footsteps in the hallway spurred me into action.
ELLA'S POV"I thought I said you shouldn't bother coming," I told Susan as she pulled me into a tight hug.She leaned back. "Yeah, like you really expect me to miss how Amelia's gonna look when she finally knows the truth?"I couldn't help but laugh at that, picturing the utter shock on her face. But as my gaze drifted past Susan, my amusement quickly changed into dread."Oh no..." I groaned, watching as more figures approached - Lucinda and her clique of friends. "Please tell me you didn't invite them.""What? of course not! why would I?" Susan looked just as bewildered as I felt.Soon, I spotted even more familiar faces - half the class, it seemed, were making their way towards us. "This is a disaster," I groaned. "I can't have everyone here for this."Lucinda came up to me, her ruby-red lips curled into a pout. "Oh, Ella, I'm just so hurt. Your mother is getting married and you couldn't even invite me, your best friend?" She placed a hand dramatically over her heart.I hissed in ir
ELLA'S POVThe security guards descended upon Mr. Stewart, their hands clamping down on his arms and hauling him back. He thrashed against their hold, spittle flying from his lips."You'll all pay for this!" Mr. Stewart bellowed, as he struggled to release himself. "I'll make you regret the day you crossed me!""It's over now, Mr. Stewart," Trent said firmly, stepping forward to stand by my side. "The truth has finally come to light, and there's nowhere left for you to hide."Mr. Stewart let out a harsh, mocking laugh. "You think this is over? I'll get out of this, you mark my words. And when I do, I'll make you both pay."And just then, the police arrived. "Mr. Stewart, you're under arrest for assault and battery, as well as the attempted cover-up of domestic abuse." one of them stated, stepping forward to cuff his wrists. "Anything you say will be used against you in a court of law."As the officers led the still-raging Mr. Stewart out of the sanctuary, I finally allowed myself to b
ELLA'S POVTrent's car raced down the streets, the looming structure of the bridge coming into view. My heart pounded with each passing second, the fear of being too late clawing at my chest.As Trent pulled up, I flung the door open, my legs pumping as I sprinted towards the bridge.I scanned the area, my breath coming in gasps. And then I saw her - Amelia, standing close to the edge, her gaze fixed on the rushing waters below. "Amelia!" I cried. "Please, don't do this!"She stiffened at the sound of my voice, and for a agonizing moment, I thought she might jump. But then she slowly turned, her red-rimmed eyes widening as they landed on me."Ella?" she breathed, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What are you doing here?"I slowed my pace as I neared her. "Amelia, please. You have to step away from the edge. This isn't the answer, I promise.I ached to move closer, to wrap my arms around her and pull her to safety. But the haunted look in her eyes gave me pause."Don't come any close