Dry leaves crunched under Victoria’s hurried footsteps. She did not stop for a single moment to look back; she didn’t even care about the pain caused by the brush rubbing against her bare feet. Her only concern at that moment was to escape. She ran so fast that Salvatore’s men couldn’t catch her.

Fortunately, as if fate were on her side, she reached a road where a small pickup truck was passing at that very moment. Without hesitation, Victoria lunged forward.

"Help, please, help!"

The woman behind the wheel, seeing her condition, did not hesitate to assist her. Victoria breathed a sigh of relief; she was finally safe.

***

Days...