Chapter 0006

Caroline’s POV:

The hand over my mouth smothered any hope of a scream. I struggled, but my body didn’t obey. Silent tears streamed down my face as I felt their hands on me, invading every inch. The world around me blurred and faded, sounds warping into cruel echoes.

“She’s not even fighting back! I told you, she wanted this!”

“Perfect. Hold her down. She’s all mine now.”

My mind screamed in terror, but my body remained frozen, helpless. The horror of what was coming brushed me, leaving me with nothing. I couldn’t move, couldn’t fight, couldn’t cry out for help. I was lost, sinking into darkness.

What was the point? I was theirs now. They were claiming me in all the awful ways they could. I lost something to them, something I would never get back. That broke me.

But then, faintly, a voice broke through the haze. A shout, distant, but growing closer. Through the fog of fear, I barely made out a figure running toward us. His presence wasn’t just a silhouette but a force that cut through the fear, carrying a warmth that reached me even in the depths of my terror.

Was it William, come to save me? Or another monster to add to my nightmare? I couldn’t tell, didn’t dare to hope. In my horror I couldn’t even imagine salvation.

My thoughts faded with a last flicker of consciousness, leaving me in darkness.

I woke up in a ward that was nothing short of extravagant. The bed beneath me felt like it was made from clouds, and the sheets draped over me were the softest I’d ever felt. Surrounding me were state-of-the-art machines, gleaming under soft lighting.

Every detail, from the polished floor to the elegant furnishings was a reminder of the financial strain I was under. My heart ached, knowing I could never afford such luxury.

Then I noticed a figure sitting beside me. As my eyes struggled to focus, I saw a man.

“Thank God,” he let out a sigh of relief, his voice full of concern. “You’re awake! How’re you feeling?”

“I’m okay, but… what happened?” I asked, looking at him with confusion. “Why am I here?”

It was then that I noticed the difference. He was dressed fashionably in a tailored business suit, the fabric and cut of which spoke volumes about his status. The suit alone probably cost more than I made in a month. Despite the clear signs of his success, there was a gentle humility in his eyes, a quiet kindness that made him seem approachable.

He was the kind of man who didn’t need to flaunt his wealth or power. It was simply part of him, seamlessly woven into his very being.

“I found you collapsed on the ground. Two drunk guys were trying to take advantage of you, so I beat them to the ground.” he explained.

I was astonished. If it hadn’t been for this man, I would have been… I couldn’t even bear to think about it. My heart was filled with gratitude, and I whispered a tearful, “Thank you…”

He smiled softly. “It’s no problem. I’m just glad I got to you in time, Caroline.”

I was surprised to know that he knew my name. How could he have known that? Now that my eyes had properly adjusted, however, I realized that I actually somewhat recognized him. I studied him closely. “Have we met before?” I asked.

The man who had saved me smiled brightly. “Yeah, I’m Martin,” he replied, “we used to be neighbors, remember?”

My eyes widened as a memory awakened in me. Martin had been my best friend back when we were little kids. He treated me like a brother. I couldn’t believe I’d almost forgotten him.

“Martin!” I cried out, “it’s so good to see you!” Seeing him again brought back so many memories, and my heart leapt with joy now upon reuniting with an old friend.

“It’s good to see you, too, Caroline,” Martin replied, squeezing my hand. “Anyway, what happened out there? Do you know you’re sick?” he asked attentively.

His question brought me back to earth. A sad, hesitant smile lifted my lips. “Yes, I… I know it, Martin,” I replied solemnly. “The doctors tell me I have stomach cancer. And… it’s terminal.”

A look of devastation overtook Martin’s face, trying to say something but failed. I just offered a pained smile, trying to be strong as I fought back tears. “It is what it is,” I whispered, giving him a helpless shrug. “There’s nothing I can do about it.”

Martin frowned deeply, seemingly unhappy with my defeated attitude. “You still have time, Caroline,” he said to me. “You can still do chemotherapy. You have your friends and family there to support you, don’t you?”

I opened my mouth to reply, only for the truth to hit me. Save for Cindy, I realized that I truly had almost no one there to support me.

My old friend could see the devastation on my face. “What’s wrong, Caroline?” he pried, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I didn’t even realize I was crying until I felt hot tears rolling down my cheeks. “I… I have no one,” I whispered, trying to keep myself from shaking on the spot. My dad, he’s in jail! And my husband—”

Even mentioning William had me bursting into tears. I couldn’t stand to utter his name. He’d hurt me so badly, and now that I was without him, I was in the worst position I’d ever been in my entire life. “My husband left me for another woman!”

Martin was shell-shocked by the revelation. “What kind of man does that to his wife?” he asked, completely upset by the news.

I looked around the ward helplessly, taking in all the expensive decor and equipment that surrounded me. “And now I’m here in a hospital once again. Look at this place! I can’t afford this! I already have so much on my plate!”

“Don’t worry about that,” Martin assured me carefully. “I’ve waived the f*e. This hospital is one of my family’s assets, so you don’t have to worry about the expenses.”

I gazed at him in shock. “No, you don’t have to-”

“You’re worth it.” He interrupted me and gave me a sincere look. “I know you feel as though you have to be strong,” Martin told me, “but you needn’t always be a tough girl. In your time of need, it’s okay if you need help. You should consider relying on someone else. Someone who truly cares about you, Caroline.”