NO TURNING BACK

CAMILLA RYDER

I sat quietly in the back seat of the police car, my hands, covered in blood, trembling as they rested on my lap. The cold metal of the handcuffs bit into my skin, but it was nothing compared to the ache swelling in my chest.

The officer in the front seat kept eyeing me through the rearview mirror. I knew the look— the famous CEO of M-Elite Group is now a murderer... But all I could do was stare out the window, numb.

Did I really kill Karen?

The question replayed in my mind continually, loud and relentless, like a broken record I couldn't turn off.

But nothing... not even the sight of Karen bleeding on our bedroom floor shook me as much as what Liam did next.

He called the cops.

No hesitation.

Not even a remorse.

...Even as I dropped to my knees, begging him, tears running down my face…

He picked up the phone and gave them my name like I was a stranger... "You rich folks are the worst..." The cop whispered as he hurled me into the car.

My eyes caught sight of Liam through the tinted glass. He was speaking to one of the officers, his expression twisted in fake grief. The bastard even mustered a few tears. Anyone could believe I really threatened him like he claimed.

But He was the worse compared to Karen and no matter how much I thought about it, I could swear my hands never touched Karen before her back slammed on the glass.

Just before we drove off, he leaned down toward the window, close enough for only me to hear. His voice was cold and deadly.

“Don’t worry about M-Elite Group,” he whispered, his lips curled into a sick smile. “It’s in good hands, my love… enjoy your time in jail.”

His words sent a chill down my spine.

What did he mean by that?

Was this all planned?

As soon as he stood back, the car sped off.... I stared blankly at the road as we drove away, but his words echoed louder than the sirens in my head. The man I once called my husband. The man I thought I was having a child with, is now a wolf aiming for my neck 

The eyes I once saw love in now held only shadows. Cruelty and evil.

***

The courtroom buzzed with low murmurs, but I only had eyes for him.

Liam.

He sat comfortably among the crowd, suited, and his eyes locked on mine with a look that chilled me to the bone. And then he smiled.

Like he had won.

Like this was all some sick game and I’d just lost the final round.

“…I hereby sentence Mrs. Camilla Ryder to six years imprisonment,” the judge’s voice rang through the courtroom.

Gasps filled the room... But I couldn’t hear it.

My father’s words came rushing back at me. “Never trust Liam, Camilla.”

He said that just before he passed from the cancer that stole him too soon.

I should’ve listened.

I should’ve known.

But I let the echoes of my heart blind me.

And now… it was too late.

The cops dragged me from among the crowd and there outside, hell awaited me... A river of reporters swam towards me. Yeah I did expected that. Everyone wants to see the face of Camilla Ryder going to jail... The famous, untouchable woman in the business world.

But it wasn't the end for me. 

***

EIGHT MONTHS LATER

"You had two boys, Mrs. Ryder," the doctor said softly, her eyes fixed on mine as I lay weakly in the hospital bed.

A shaky breath escaped my lips as tears welled up and slid down my cheeks like a quiet storm of relief.

"Can I see my babies?" I asked, my voice trembling with all the emotions in the world.

The doctor hesitated, her expression folding into sorrow. "They came too early, Mrs. Ryder... We did everything we could, but—" her voice staggered, "we couldn't save one of them. I'm so sorry."

I froze. My heart stopped, and then, slowly, I pushed myself up on the bed, my heart heavy like something huge was sitting on it.

"W-what? No… I think y—you must be mistaken. Please, explain..." I gasped, choking on the lump rising in my throat. My tears came faster now, and I wiped them with trembling hands. 

"What do you mean they came early and you couldn't save one of them? He's my baby..." My voice cracked as my gaze locked with hers.

"I'm truly sorry, Mrs. Ryder," she whispered again.

"Stop saying you're damn sorry!" I snapped, my anger boiling over. "Just tell me they’re both okay!"

I was already halfway out of bed when the officer beside me reached out to stop me. But I wouldn't be held back, I tore my arm away from him and stumbled forward.

"Let me see him!" I cried. "Sometimes they’re just late to cry, right? Maybe you thought wrong! That happens, doesn’t it?!"

I was almost at the door, desperate and furious, but the officer caught me. I kicked and screamed, tears pouring out until my body gave out and I collapsed onto the floor.

The room spun as my cries faded into utmost silence.

Then everything went dark.

***

ONE YEAR LATER

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest when the warden called out, “Inmate 2160, you’ve got a letter from a family member.”

I froze.

Liam? I thought... After nearly three years in this place and handing him our baby, not even hearing a word from him, he sends a letter now?

And in a fancy envelope?

I sat down and untied the silver cord wrapped around it before unfolding the card.

“YOU’RE LEAVING THE CELL NOW... FOLLOW THE BLACK CAR WITHOUT HESITATION.”

I blinked once and then twice... No sender, just the strange, commanding message.

And then I saw a small initial at the bottom.

“AL”

What in the world?

I barely had time to think when a guard started walking toward me.

I hid the card away just as he stopped in front of me.

“Inmate 2160,” he called, unlocking the cell. “You have a visitor.”

I stepped out slowly, following him down the long hallway but something about him felt... off.

“Where are we going?” I asked him.

But he didn't answer. He just kept walking and my feet turned cold. The hallway seemed longer than usual and we didn't take the right turns.

Should I just run? Thoughts ran through my head.

Just before then, a sleek black Corolla pulled up outside, its engine still running. A man stepped out in a tailored suit.

“I’m your escort, ma’am,” he said calmly. “Mr. Alexandro is waiting to see you.”

I froze.

Don Alexandro?

The name rang a bell but it was too late to start processing things.

I hesitated for a breath, then climbed into the car.

I’d rather face this risk and whatever this was than stay locked up in that cell for one more minute.

I slammed the door shut before the car drove away.

There's no turning back now...