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.

I stared through the tinted glass, but I noticed 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 was keep quiet and remain numb.

But the question kept ringing in my brain. Did I really kill Karen?

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

I wasn't even sure anymore... All I knew was I pushed her a little, then the next, her back slammed against the glass, she crumbled to the ground with a pool of blood.. But, not even the sight of Karen bleeding on our bedroom floor shook me the most, it was what Liam did next.

He called the cops on me.

He didn't even hesitate. Not even a remorse. It was just like he was waiting for it to happen.

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

He still picked up the phone and gave them my name like I was a stranger... I ran my cuffed hand through my hair.

"You rich folks are the worst..." The cop whispered his eyes still glued on me. As if he'd been hitching to say that.

I 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 as much as I thought about it, the only thing I could swear of was my hands never really pushed Karen that hard before her back slammed on the glass.

Just before we drove off, Liam 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. My heart ripped still wondering if this was the same man I loved. Liam did this to me?

But... 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, his words still 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 Laim.

He sat comfortably among the crowd, suited in navy blue, 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 didn't stare away... I had already lost the fight in me the moment they discovered only my finger prints on Karen's body, and the bruise on her neck. They named it violent attack out of jealousy. The only saving grace I had, her back hit the glass during the struggle.

Funny... But I couldn't even deny it.

“…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.

One second the world praised me and now, they were laughing at my downfall... But that couldn't be 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 gathered in my eyes, sliding 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. I just wanted to understand what she was rambling about.

"W-what? No… I think y—you must be mistaken. Please, explain..." I said quietly, choking on the lump rising in my throat. My tears already came even before I accepted the grief, I quickly 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.

But that only made me lose control. That damn sorry.

"Stop saying you're f*cking sorry!" I snapped, my anger already at the brim. "Just tell me they’re both okay!"

I was almost halfway out of bed when the officer beside me reached out to stop me. But I didn't allow her to hold 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 didn't know I still had the strength in me, I kicked hard and screamed, tears pouring out, I crawled under his grasp... until I felt my body gave out, 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 as he handed it over to me through the gate hole.

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 rushed to untie 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... There was no name, just the strange, commanding message.

And then my eyes caught 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, I kept looking behind me as I followed 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 started to turn 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.”

Fear gripped me as I stood staring at him.

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 knew I was crazy enough to do that but... 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...