Love Unspoken

Caught in the throes of a life-and-death crisis, Valerie found herself trapped between the instinct for self-preservation and the desperate need to save her children.

A rare clarity washed over her, illuminating the harsh reality of her situation.

She could escape now, save herself, but her children would be left to perish. If she didn't make it out, they would all die, leaving no one to avenge them.

She could be ruthless, she could choose survival, but the thought of watching her children burn alive required a heart of steel and a strength she wasn't sure she possessed. Valerie drew in a deep breath, the thick smoke filling her lungs and triggering a violent cough.

save Hannah... it hurts so much!"Valerie froze at the doorway, turning back as if pulled by invisible strings. Through the haze, she saw her children crying out in agony, their pleas tugging at her heartstrings. Her hand on the blistering door frame sizzled, but she felt nothing. "Mommy...""Do you not want us anymore...?"Their voices grew fainter, barely audible over the roar of the flames. Valerie was torn between her own survival and

turned back, she might never make it out. In her despair, she glanced down and, almost comically, noticed

into the inferno. Meanwhile, Wayne had already gone to handle the paperwork, transferring the shares to his name. The mountain blazed brightly, and

necks to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. Some took pictures with their phones, while others called to report the

had taken Quinn out for a movie and was now treating her to lunch. Despite a slight ache in her knee, Quinn hadn't walked

wedding. His presence, his attention, felt like the grandest of gifts. That afternoon, he had taken Quinn shopping for clothes. Though he bought a lot, none were

car."Did you enjoy today?" Alexander asked, turning to her.Quinn could only nod, a gesture that under normal circumstances would indicate happiness, but she wasn't happy. His