Shattered Longings

Chapter 71 Inescapable Loneliness

Chasing the robber had already drained Bella of most of her energy, and it was clear she was now completely exhausted.

She had regretted it a thousand times. Why had she been so foolish to chase after him alone? She might lose her life over a few belongings and shouldn’t have been so stu Staring down the alley, she kept telling herself to hold on. She was almost out, almost there. Once she reached the street, she could shout for help and be safe.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm and pulled her to the ground.

The water puddle soaked her thin clothes, clinging to her skin and accentuating her curves.

The robber crouched down and grabbed her neck. A gleaming knife pressed against her cheek. “I’ve never met a woman as bold as you. Come have some fun with me, and I‘ your stuff back. Don’t be a bitch.”

Bella dared not breathe as her mind raced to find an escape, but the robber gave her no time. He seized her like a small bird and dragged her deeper into the alley.

She didn’t dare struggle, with the knife pressed against her lower back and fear blanketing her mind. She knew what was coming.

but she didn’t beg, knowing it would be useless

there? What

the alley gave Bella a glimmer of hope.

into a rage. Abandoning Bella, he charged forward with his

dazed as she saw a single person walk into the alley, Panic set in when she realized the

she tried to warn him, it was too late. The robber had already injured

and discovered it was Simon! Without hesitation, she

wound and struggled to straighten up. “I’m… I’m fine. Are

didn’t say anything and simply nodded. The hospital was nearby, less than a mile away. She

his ribcage but fortunately missed his internal organs. A few stitches

out of the operating room and checking over Simon, she collapsed onto a bench outside the ward. A wave of desolation washed

hadn’t been saved, her life would have been ruined even if she

the jaws of death

calls. It seemed no one cared