Ashes of Forever

The Fall

Zoey's POV

Theo's words echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the danger I was in.

"You will pay for what you did. You will suffer like my little girl suffered. I will make sure of it."

I knew Theo well enough to know he never made empty threats. He was a man of his word, and his wealth and connections meant he could make anyone disappear without a trace. If he wanted me dead, I wouldn't last long.

I had to get out.

My body screamed in protest as I swung my legs over the side of the hospital bed. The burns on my arm were still raw, and every movement sent a jolt of pain through my body. But I didn't have a choice. I had to move.

I glanced at the door, half-expecting Theo or one of his men to burst in at any moment. The room was quiet, but the silence felt heavy, oppressive.

I stood, my legs trembling beneath me. The floor felt cold against my bare feet, and I winced as I took my first step. My left leg was stiff, the muscles aching from the explosion. I limped toward the door, my breath shallow, my heart racing.

When I reached the hallway, I leaned against the wall for support, my eyes scanning the corridor. Nurses bustled about, their voices low and urgent. I needed help, but I couldn't risk drawing attention to myself.

I spotted a nurse at the end of the hall and forced myself to move toward her. Each step was agony, but I pushed through the pain, my desperation driving me forward.

"Excuse me," I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.

The nurse turned, her eyes widening when she saw me. "Ma'am, you shouldn't be out of bed!"

"I need a phone," I said, clutching my side. "Please, it's an emergency."

She hesitated, then nodded, pulling a phone from her pocket. "Here, but you need to get back to your room."

"Thank you," I said, taking the phone with trembling hands.

I dialed my boss's number, my heart pounding as the line rang.

"Hello?"

"It's Zoey," I said, my voice urgent. "I need a salary advance. It's life or death."

There was a pause on the other end. "Zoey, are you okay? You sound"

"Please," I interrupted. "I don't have time to explain."

Another pause, then a sigh. "Fine. I'll transfer the money now. But you owe me an explanation."

"Thank you," I whispered, ending the call.

I handed the phone back to the nurse, forcing a weak smile. "Thank you."

"You need to get back to bed," she said, her tone firm.

"I will," I lied, limping away before she could stop me.

I made my way to the janitor's closet, my heart racing with every step. The hallway was empty, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. Theo's men could be anywhere.

I slipped inside the closet, my hands trembling as I searched for something to change into. I found a pair of scrubs and a worn jacket, quickly pulling them on over my hospital gown. It wasn't much, but it would have to do.

I grabbed a baseball cap from a hook and pulled it low over my face, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps. I had to move.

I limped out of the closet and headed for the nearest exit, my body screaming in protest with every step. The cold night air hit me as I stepped outside, and I shuddered, pulling the jacket tighter around me.

I hailed a cab, my hands shaking as I climbed inside.

"Where to?" the driver asked, eyeing me in the rearview mirror.

"The train station," I said, my voice barely audible.

As the cab pulled away, I glanced out the window, my heart pounding. Theo's mansion was in the distance, a looming reminder of the life I'd lost.

But I couldn't think about that now. I had to disappear.

When we reached the station, I paid the driver and limped inside, my eyes scanning the crowd. I bought a ticket to the next available city, my hands trembling as I handed over the cash.

The train was already boarding, and I hurried toward it, my heart racing. I couldn't afford to miss it.

As I stepped onto the train, I glanced over my shoulder one last time. The station was crowded, but I didn't see anyone following me.

I found a seat and collapsed into it, my body finally giving in to the exhaustion.

But even as the train pulled away, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't safe.

Theo's words echoed in my mind, a chilling reminder of the danger I was in.

"I will make sure of it."