Chapter 6 - The Secret Device
Downstairs, surrounded by a circle of horrified guests, Olivia slowly opened her eyes.
Her vision was blurred, the crystal chandeliers above spinning in dizzying, nauseating circles. Pain shot through her entire body like electric fire. Her spine throbbed, her shoulders ached, and her beautiful ivory dress was torn and stained with dust from the floor.
Tears of pure agony rolled down her pale cheeks.
But despite everything—despite the pain, the shock, and the terror—her very first instinct was to protect her unborn baby. She ignored the throbbing in her head and gently rested her bruised hand across her stomach.
She held her breath, closing her eyes, waiting in terrifying silence.
Then, she felt it. A small, fluttering movement beneath her palm. A tiny kick.
She let out a ragged, breathless sob.
"It’s okay…" Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaotic shouting of the guests around her. "Mommy’s here. I've got you."
A profound, overwhelming wave of relief washed over her bruised face. Her child was alive.
Then, her expression shifted. The fear vanished, replaced by a cold, hardened resolve. With trembling, aching fingers, she reached deep into the hidden pocket of her torn dress.
She pulled out her cellphone.
The screen was heavily cracked from the violent fall, the glass spider-webbed across the display, but the device was still functional. Barely able to breathe from the pain in her ribs, she swiped her thumb across the shattered glass and dialed one specific number. She didn't need to look at the contacts; she had memorized it months ago.
May you like
She held the broken phone to her ear.
After only a single ring, someone answered.
