Chapter 10

Sarah sprinted, her legs carrying her away from the boutique. Distance from Emilio was her only goal.

Breathless, she weaved through the bustling crowd, accidentally bumping into people and nearly stumbling in her haste to escape Emilio's grasp.

Glancing anxiously over her shoulder, she checked for any sign of Emilio in the sea of people. The fear that he might be closing in fueled her urgency.

She figured he must have realized her escape by now. If not at this moment, soon enough. But by then, she prayed she'd be well beyond his reach.

Sarah had no clue where she was going amidst the bustling crowds.

"I'm so sorry."

"Excuse me. I am truly sorry."

"I'm truly, truly sorry," were the words she kept rambling as she navigated through the people, shuffling her feet along the paved walkways.

Gradually, her strength waned as she ran, breaths becoming heavy. She paused, anxiety etched on her face as her eyes scanned the surroundings. A sense of

being watched crept over her, a chilling feeling