Chapter 4
Harley stumbled to her feet, wincing at the sharp pain in her ankle. Despite the injury, sheer survival instinct propelled her forward.
The exit was within sight. Just as Joaquin and Myra stepped out, another beam crashed down, sealing the exit and trapping Harley inside.
After handing Myra to the rescue team, Joaquin realized Harley was gone.
He made to rush back, but a rescuer held him back.
“Sir, the young lady you were with fainted. Our equipment here is limited. Perhaps you should take her to the clinic first?”
Joaquin hesitated, torn.
“Sir, don’t delay. Leave the rescue to us,” the rescuer urged.
With a gritted jaw, Joaquin grabbed the man’s arm.
“Please–there’s another girl in there. Get her out.”
Reassured by their nod, he turned back to Myra.
The rescue lasted three days and nights.
Harley was pulled from the rubble at dawn on the fourth day, her breaths shallow and weak. It took the medics hours to stabilize her.
When she awoke a day later, Joaquin sat by her side.
For a heartbeat, she thought she’d returned to her tragic past–until she noticed the youth in his face. Relief washed over her.
Chapter +
Joaquin, eyes rimmed with red, looked guilt–ridden.
“You’re finally awake. I was terrified I’d lost you. I failed you before, but I won’t again.”
Harley forced a bitter smile. Such moments were all too familiar.
“It’s fine. I’m alive, aren’t I?”
Joaquin studied her for a long moment. “You’ve changed,” he said slowly.
“Maybe near–death experiences do that to a person,” Harley replied, her tone casual.
“Not just now–since before the accident…”
Before he could finish, Harley cut in.
“Joaquin, I’m exhausted. Please leave me be.”
She shut her eyes, ending the conversation.
As Joaquin left, he paused at the door.
“We’re returning to the city soon. Come with us.”
Harley refused without hesitation.
“I’m an adult now. I can care for myself. Besides, my school’s far from the city. It’s impractical.”
Thinking of her merely sulking, Joaquin’s tone hardened.
“I promised your parents I’d watch over you. You’re coming with us. I’ll enroll you myself. No worries.”
After he left, Harley sighed, her resolve unshaken.
With his promise hanging over her, she couldn’t afford to wait. afternoon, she checked out of the hospital and began packing.
Two weeks until the move–she’d be gone before then.
That
She called the number on her acceptance letter, asking if she could move in early. The affirmative reply brought instant relief.
“I’ll leave in a week. Thank you,” she said.
As she hung up, Joaquin appeared in the doorway, confusion etched on
his face.
“Leaving? Where to?”
“I have plans,” she said calmly.
“Can I help with something?”
Joaquin shook his head.
“Just here to eat dinner. I’m taking Myra out.”
After he left, Harley sat at the dining table, staring at the food.
Joaquin’s cooking was excellent–she used to love his dishes as a child.
Now, though, it was bittersweet. He’d forgotten she couldn’t handle spice; Myra was the one who loved it.
In the days that followed, Harley focused on her school paperwork. Joaquin and Myra were often out–busy with their own plans.
The night before her departure, Myra cornered her, insisting she join a farewell party.
Harley declined, but Myra dragged her there anyway.
The venue buzzed with energy, but Harley felt out of place. She retreated to a quiet corner.
A waiter handed her a glass of juice. Within moments, her vision blurred.
When she came to, it was already too late.
She glanced at Joaquin lying beside her, panic rising in her chest.
They were fully clothed, untouched–but that wouldn’t stop the rumors.
As if on cue, the door burst open.
Myra stood in the doorway, flanked by a crowd, her face a mask of hurt.
“Harley, how could you…?”
Her voice trailed off, leaving the accusation hanging.
Joaquin stirred, waking groggily.
“What’s going on?”
Before Harley could speak, an envelope slipped from her pocket.
Someone snatched it up, tore it open, and read aloud.
It was a love letter–signed with Harley’s name.
The room fell silent.
Myra burst into tears and fled, the crowd parting before her.
Joaquin’s face flushed; his eyes were bloodshot.
“Still scheming, aren’t you?”
Without another word, he rushed after Myra.
Harley stood frozen, blood roaring in her ears.
She’d moved on–so who had orchestrated this? Who wanted to shatter whatever was left of her and Joaquin?
The answer weighed heavily on her heart.
Harley felt a twinge of emotion. She was truly desperate.
Now, Joaquin must despise her.
When Joaquin and Myra stayed out all night, Harley didn’t care. The next morning, she began packing at dawn.
By midday, suitcase in hand, she was ready to leave–only to find Joaquin blocking her path.
He looked exhausted as if he hadn’t slept all night.
Seeing her calm demeanor, he snarled, “Where do you think you’re going? Do you know Myra’s almost miscarried from shock?”
Miscarried? Myra was pregnant?
Harley laughed bitterly.
“You’d never believe me anyway. Excuse me–I’ll miss my train.”
Joaquin stared; disbelief written all over his face.
“Are you seriously leaving her like this? She’s sick, and you’re running off to ‘have fun“?”
Harley’s lips curled into a hollow smile,
“How well do you think you know me?”
“If Myra’s unwell, you should stay by her side–not argue with me and risk
10.30
more gossip.”
His face flushed crimson.
“Fine. Leave, But don’t ever come back. I’ve paid my debt to your parents.”
“Thank you for your care all these years. I won’t trouble you again.” Harley said, bowing deeply before walking away.
Joaquin watched her go; certain she’d return–as she always did.
But as the train pulled out of the station, Harley’s trembling hands finally stilled.
Only then did she notice her hands were still trembling.
She’d rewritten her fate.
No more ties to Joaquin. Her future was her own.
