Chapter 4

"Sonya, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. This time, it really wasn't my intention."

Austin's voice was soft and hoarse, as if he truly was filled with regret.

But once the kiss ended, he stood up, and the necklace around his neck slipped out of his shirt. The cold silver chain held a dazzling engagement ring, its brilliance shining brightly in the room.

…

A week later, Callie and I went to the amusement park.

The peace felt surreal—like it was a lifetime ago—until a sudden phone call shattered it.

Austin's name flashed on the screen. But when I answered, I was greeted with Dion's tearful, saccharine voice.

"Sonya, bad news! Austin's in trouble again. He's trapped in an abandoned factory. It's dangerous there, and the firefighters are taking too long!"

My heart tightened. It was only a matter of time before the inevitable happened.

I brought Callie with me to the scene.

Thick black smoke billowed into the sky, the scorching heat so intense I felt like my skin was going to melt off.

"The firefighters still aren't here?"

"There's no time! Mr. Miller is still inside! Someone, please save him!"

I crouched down and cupped Callie's face in my hands. Then, I asked softly but firmly, "Callie, remember what we practiced?"

She nodded hard, her little face tense and her eyes filled with a stubbornness far beyond her years.

"Mommy, I remember everything. I won't be scared."

"Good girl." I kissed her forehead lightly. Then, I took a deep breath and turned to sprint into the inferno.

Behind me, Austin's so-called friends burst into laughter.

"Sonya actually came! I thought the electroshock fried her brain last time!"

"Dion, you can relax now, right?"

"I gotta hand it to Austin. Sonya is so stupid! She never learns no matter how many times she's fooled."

Flames and smoke twisted around me—it felt like I was in hell.

Outside, Austin arrived in a panic. He hadn't even had time to join in mocking me when his gaze locked onto Callie, who stood alone at the edge of the chaos.

His breath suddenly caught, and he rushed over like a maniac, wanting to scoop her up.

"Callie, what are you doing here alone?" he asked.

Austin must have been thinking I was insane to bring a child to a place this dangerous.

Callie's eyes reddened. She glared up at him with pure hatred burning in her small face. "You're the reason Mommy's dead! I hate you!"

She kicked Austin hard with all her strength, then struggled free and ran toward the flames.

"Mommy! I want my mommy!" she screamed and sobbed.

"Callie!" Austin roared hoarsely.

His gaze was filled with despair and terror as he desperately rushed toward the fire. But his friends forcibly held him back.

"Austin, relax. It's all special effects. Just wait a little lo—"

A deafening explosion cut them off.

The factory collapsed, and the entrance was reduced to rubble.

The raging flames devoured everything, including the path Callie and I had taken.

"Sonya?" Austin stood frozen, whispering my name like a prayer.

He received no reply.

Only the roar of the fire filled the air.

He stood there, motionless, for a long time.

Callie and I never came back out.

We were gone. The treasure he had just gotten back—gone again.

The fire burned brighter, hotter, and terror finally seized Austin.

"Sonya!" Austin suddenly shouted fiercely.

His hesitation, anger, and frustration—along with the arrogance of his high status—all shattered in that single moment.