Her Rejected

r: Shadows

Her body felt heavy, her muscles aching from the stress and exhaustion of the night before. She blinked against the b

she go next? Reina rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess. Her mind was a jumble of fear, exhaust

faded wallpaper peeling in the corners and the cracked mirror on the wall. It was far from comfortable, but

and splashed cold water on her face. The chill helped wake her up a litt

it wouldn't last. Soon, Ethan would realize she was gone, if he ha

her things into the small suitcase she had brought and checked her wallet. There wasn't much l

n the door. Reina froze, her heart pounding in her ches

. Slowly, she approached the door, pressing her ear against it, trying to he

voice called fro

It was just the motel staff. Her hands shook as she unlocke

her face tired but kind. "Just here to clean

. "I'm leaving soon," she whis

over her shoulder, her expression softening. "You look like you've

't know why, but that simple kindness hit her harder than she expect

ned against it, taking a deep breath. I MUST keep going

crunched beneath her shoes as she walked toward her car, the same one she had drive

led as she turned the key in the ignition, the engine rumbling to life. She glanced at h

ve, she thought, determina

last moments with Ethan. The way he had looked at her with such contempt, like she was nothing. He

the cruel words he had thrown at her like daggers. But worst of all was the way he had flaunted A

She MUST protect herself and

keep running aimlessly. But where could she go? She didn't have much money, and

idea st

able to help, even though she hadn't seen them in years. Reina hesi

pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. The name p

world. They hadn't spoken in years, but maybe Maria would remember her. Maybe she could o

ressed the call button. The ph

familiar vo

voice trembling. "It's Re

a moment, Reina feared Maria wouldn't remember her. Bu

at really you? What's go

g to keep her voice steady. "I...I've left Et

ould almost hear Maria processing the situation

get to my place? You can sta

, she thought, her mind already racing with possibilit

her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you,

Reina. Just get h

ine rumbling to life. For the first time in what felt like

in her chest. Ethan wasn't going to stop looking for her. And

she thought, her eyes na

keep running before Ethan