Passion and pursuit

couldn't believe I was about to lose my vi

ace as he lunged forward, seizing my wrists as though he were a cop apprehending a crimin

GOOD

THROWN MY

to open the first button, I saw my chance. With a surge

ut a pai

GH

eizing the opportunity, I bolted from his o

n me. I needed to move quickly, but as I lifted my leg to na

MY

it hallway for signs of him. My heartbeat echoed in my ears,thump, thump, thump,as silence enveloped the build

o lift my leg, each movement sending a fresh wave of agony through me. Sudd

HE REA

surprised to see another s

staff inside, why was

e knelt beside me, his eyes scanning my face as if

ped me; I didn't want him to seize the opportunity like Jasper had. The memory of Ja

GH

'm sorry, ma'am," he said g

n caught me

ad transpired betw

n us in th

surveillanc

d, and I buried my face in sh

rged, his voice rising slightly,

about to lift my left leg for the first step when I miscalculated

you injured it before?" I could see the concern etched on

ding slightly, feeling a mix o

much," he replied, con

'll be right back," he a

ateful for h

where to go next. I silently prayed that Jasper wouldn't find me here. Minute

d the kit and pulled out sterile gloves, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipe

the sting. "I'm so sorry," he said gently

me to my feet. I managed to stand, overwhelmed

so grateful... I..." I stammere

ma'am. My name is George," he sai

nd replied, "Ange

e!" he exclaimed, genuine

g, I quickly obliged. As I turned to

back, s

e calling

de?" he offered, a k

e already booked a cab!" I repli

down the staircase, I realized he was still standin

I help you?" he asked,

ed slightly, and replied,

kept thinking of Jasper

meone so helpful, a sta

r home, and it was already seven t

, I didn't know about sin

ary, but her eyes widened at

had healed!" she exclaimed, reaching out to touc

t hurts

ried, her curi

gain? Who bandaged it for you

able as she tried to pi

. What if she told the tru

I really explain that I was almost r

ing myself to share that, so I had

me so late?" she pre

d to her in a defens

ed, but the item eluded me. Frustrated, I turned to leave. Just as I reached the door,

brow knitted tightly, as if my explanation were a

ly ,s

, I turned on my shoe an

the restaurant flickered through my mind like a neon si

resumed my ascent. Mary stood there, her eyes followi

ed over me. Chores were the last thing on my min

my nightwear, and jumped into bed. Just as I was abo

g as my wound throbbed. When I finally managed to

re," she asked, her voice laced with curiosity about m

ter, thank you v

ll you eat Caesar sala

ach had been tumbling for hunger since the b

are it," she o

n the phone to join her for dinner downstairs. As we ate, we chatted and laughed, the

**************

the restaurant, the staff's surprised looks fell on

happened to

e everything

you o

's wr

s and napkins, when she spotted me surrounded by the curious sta

pable, and I could see her eagerness to know what ha

lacing her hand on my shoulder. "Come, I have a talk I w

e feeling of dread about what Michelle wanted to say. Once i

wanted to ask, but I knew my babe wouldn't d

" struck me like thunder, sen

the bad

wasn't abo

nd what Michell

would be Michelle'

eal the truth, my heart raced like a dru

ey said y

voice echoed through the restaurant, shaking the walls and twisting the stomachs of every staff member

r's voice echoed through the room, and M

t's the manager," sh

leaned on Michelle's shoulder for support, helping to create the illusion. As we stepped out to face