Maria stumbled as Anthony practically dragged her out of the party, her heart still racing from the encounter with the menacing man. Her hand grasped Anthony's arm tightly as she struggled to keep up with his brisk pace. The red dress that had once made her feel beautiful now felt like a heavy shackle, hindering her movements and adding to her distress.
"Anthony, slow down," Maria gasped, her voice barely audible over the noise of the bustling parking lot. But Anthony paid her no heed, his focus solely on getting them away from the dangerous situation they had just left behind.
As they reached the car, Maria's legs gave out, and she stumbled to the ground, the impact sending a jolt of pain through her body. She let out a small cry of surprise and pain, her hands instinctively reaching ou
