جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 190

TRENT'S POV In that moment, I made a decision. I'd play along with my father's game, pretend to be the dutiful son he wanted. And that's how I ended up here, at this stupid campaign rally, standing next to the man I despised more than anyone in the world.The park was packed with people, all here to see the great Richard Donovan. Red, white, and blue banners fluttered in the breeze, and a giant screen loomed behind the stage. I tugged at my collar, feeling like I was suffocating in the suit my father had insisted I wear.Dad strode onto the stage, waving to the cheering crowd. I followed a few steps behind, forcing a smile onto my face. My stomach churned as I watched him work the crowd, shaking hands and kissing babies like some twisted parody of a good politician."Thank you all for coming out today!" Dad's voice boomed through the speakers. "As you know, we're here to talk about the future of our great city. But before we get into that, I'd like to introduce someone very special

I watched the chaos unfold. Trent's father had just fled, leaving a storm of confusion and anger. My eyes locked onto Trent, still on the stage, looking lost and overwhelmed.Mr. Matthews grabbed Trent's arm, urgency in his voice. "We need to find your father now. Tom could be in danger!"I saw Trent's face pale at the mention of his brother's name. He nodded, then suddenly spotted me in the crowd. Our eyes met, and I saw a whirlwind of emotions cross his face – relief, guilt, fear."I... I can't," Trent stammered, his gaze never leaving mine. "I need to talk to Ella first. You go ahead, I'll catch up."Mr. Matthews looked so tired. "Trent, there's no time-""No," I found myself saying, pushing through the crowd towards the stage. "Tom needs you, Trent. You should go."Trent jumped down from the stage, meeting me halfway. He reached for my hand, but I instinctively pulled back. The hurt in his eyes was obvious."Ella," he said, my name coming out almost like a prayer. "I can't leave t

ELLA'S POVI felt a gentle tap on my hand, pulling me from my restless sleep. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim hospital room. There, propped up on pillows and smiling weakly, was Mom."Mom!" I gasped, nearly falling out of the chair in my haste to reach her side. "You're awake!"She reached out, her hand trembling slightly as she cupped my cheek. "Hi, sweetheart. How long was I out?"Before I could answer, I bolted for the door. "I need to get the doctor. I'll be right back!"I raced down the hallway, my heart pounding.Dr. Patel was just leaving another patient's room when I skidded to a halt in front of him."Dr. Patel! My mom's awake!"He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's wonderful news, Ella. Let's go check on her, shall we?"We walked back to Mom's room together. his stethoscope swinging as he hurried into the room. He checked Mom's vitals, his brow furrowed in concentration."Well, Mrs. Thompson, it's good to see you awake," he said, scribbling notes

ELLA'S POV The looming structure of my late father's factory sent a chill down my spine. I stood frozen, my eyes tracing the brick and rusted metal, trying to reconcile this imposing structure with the man I thought I knew. How had I never known about this place?Finding this place hadn't been easy. I'd had to swallow my pride and visit Mr. Matthews' office, enduring his scrutiny as I fabricated a reason for my sudden interest in Dad's past."A factory?" Mr. Matthews had leaned back in his leather chair, eyebrows raised. "How did you stumble upon that little tidbit, Ella?"I'd fidgeted with the strap of my bag, avoiding his piercing gaze. "Mom mentioned it. In passing. I just... I want to understand him better, you know?"Mr. Matthews had drummed his fingers on the desk, his eyes never leaving my face. "And what exactly do you hope to find there, hmm? Ghosts of the past? Or something more... tangible?"I'd forced a casual shrug, praying he couldn't hear my racing heart. "Just answer

ELLA'S POV My heart pounded like a drum in my chest as I watched him give a curt nod to Mr. Stewart. Stewart stood up slowly, cracking his knuckles with a sickening pop."No, no, please," I begged, my voice barely above a whisper.Stewart's foot connected with Mom's chair, sending her crashing to the floor with a sickening thud. She let out a pained whimper that tore through my soul."Stop it!" I screamed, thrashing against my restraints. "She's pregnant, for God's sake! You're hurting her... you're hurting the baby!"Mom lay on her side, curled protectively around her swollen belly. Tears streamed down my face as I watched her struggle to breathe.Stewart's laughter echoed through the room, cold and mirthless. "That's not my baby, you foolish girl," he sneered, looming over Mom's trembling form.I blinked, confusion momentarily overriding my fear. "What? What are you talking about? You're the one who..." I couldn't finish the sentence, the words sticking in my throat.He whirled to