It's never late for love.

Ellie only realized she was had been wandering the streets when she noticed people staring at her blood-covered hands. Horrified, she looked down at them, her breath hitching. She rushed into the nearest café and ran stright to the restroom.

With trembling hands, she turned on the faucet and scrubbed at the blood with soap, watching as it swirled down the sink, mixing with the tears streaming down her face.

Her legs felt weak, her chest tight. She stumbled into one of the stalls, locked the door, and slid down onto the toilet seat. Hands shaking, she pulled out her phone and dialed her father's number.

- Ellie?... where are you? -

Her father voice was filled with concern, ad hearing it made her break down even more.

It took her few seconds to respond. - I'm downtown... I think... The Black Cat café. Can you pick me up? - Her voice was barely a whisper.

- Yes, of course, but what happened? Is Harry okay? -

Ellie squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the image of Harry's furious face.

- Just come... we'll talk later. -

She hung up before he could ask anything else and buried her face in her hands. She had no idea how much time passed before there was a knock on the stall door.

- Ellie, It's me, sweetheart. Let's go home. -

The lock lid open, and Ellie stepped out, her face pale, her eyes swollen from crying. Without a word, she collapsed into her father's arms.

- Take me home... please. -

Her father didn't ask more questions. He drove in silence, sensing that she wasn't ready to talk. When they arrived at parents' house, Ellie hesitated before stepping out of the car.

- Can we just.. sit here for a while? - Ellie asked, staring blankly into the distance.

Her father put a comforting hand on her shoulder.- What happened, sweetheart? -

Ellie swallowed hard. - I don't know... I don't even know what to believe anymore... But one thing is for sure; Harry and I aren't together anymore. - Her voice cracked. - And I'm scared of her. -

Her father frowned - Scared of who? -

Ellie shook her head. - Just... Give me some time. Please. -

She stayed at her parent's house after that. When she needed to go to work, her father dorve her there and picked her up afterward. Most of the time, she just sat by the window, staring outside, waiting for something; someone, to appear.

Every siren made her heart race. Every flash of blue emergency lights sent her into panic. 'I didn't do it but what if Stacy hires Amanda against me? Would Amanda believe her? Would anyone believe me?' She barely spoke, barely ate. Even her bond with Paula began to suffer.

Her parents grew more and more concerned. They suggested therapy, but Ellie refused to leave the house unless absolutely necessary.

Despite everything, she kept her phone close. Every single day, she called Harry multiple times, only to get the same response; a single second of a connected call before it hung up. Messages went unanswered or were outright blocked. It was if he had dissapear. Or worse, as if she had been erased from his life.

'He really thinks I did it...'

A bitter smile twisted her lips as she stared at her phone screen.

'Ellie, it was a beautiful dream... but it's time to wake up'

But Ellie wasn't the kind of woman to drown in misery forever.

Slowly, little by little, she pulled herself back together.

At first, she only managed short walks around the neighborhood with Paula and her father. Then, she started taking Paula to the park. And finally, three months later after the night that shattered her life, Ellie made the decision to move back to her apartment with Paula.

She had rebuilt herself.

But all that time, Harry remained unreachable.

It was a Sunday morning, Ellie woke up first and prepared breakfas, just like any other Sunday. She had promised to take Paula to the park, so she made some sandwiches for lunch. She turned on TV and sat on the couch. A news channel was on.

“Last night a five-story building collapsed downtown. The fall caused severe danage to an adjacent building, leading to the collapse of two more. The number injured has risen to 70, with rescue teams working tirelessly to save as many people as possible. So far, there are 20 deaths have been confirmed, but this number may increase throughout the day. The cause of the accident is still unknown, though the authorities suspect a gas leak. We urge citizens to visit the nearest hospital and donate blood, especially O-negative.”

Ellie gasped 'This is terrible... they didn't even have a chance.' Ellie turned off the TV just as she heard Paula's steps approaching the living room.

- Goodmorning, mommy – She yawned as she stretched.

- Good morning georgeous, let's have some breakfast. - Ellie smiled at her, though her mind was still on the tragedy.

Once they had finished their breakfast, they got ready for the Park. It was a beautiful early summer morning. They air was warm, the trees were still in bloom, and light clothing was enough. But Ellie couldn't shae off the accident from the night before. As they walked past shop windows, every TV screen was broadcasting updates, and she saw groups of adults watching in silence, hands covering their mouths.

Paula was too young to notice what was happening, but the tension in the city was palpable.

When they arrived at the park, it was eerily empty for a Sunday morning. They played in the swings and ran around, and played hide-and- seek, but Paula Paula had an idea.

- Hey momy! Why don't we play star wars? I'll be Luke Skywalker! - She cheered excitedly.

- Then... Am I playing Leia again? - Ellie chuckled

Paula hesitated for a moment shaking her head. - We need a bad guy, you'll be Lord Vader! - She grabbed a twig to use it as a lightsaber and started to making the pew pew sound as she swung it throught the air.

Ellie took a deep breath, trying to play the villain. She moved slowly toward Paula, holding a small branch, attempting to look menacing.

- Aww, mom! You need to do the breathing sound! - Paula puffed out her chest and exhaled deeply, mimicking the sound. - Uhh, few, uhh, few! Just like this! -

Ellie tried to replicate the noise, but she wasn't as good at it as Harry. Paula sighed but ignored it for the sake of the game. She charged at Ellie with her twig, making lightsaber sounds, but Ellie wasn't a skilled swordswoman. Her movements were clumsy, and Paula quickly lost interest.

- Without Harry, this is boring, I miss him. - Paula pouted, walking away before tossing the twig aside.

Ellie sighed 'I miss him too, gorgeous.' She wanted to tell the truth, but saying it out loud was too painful. Instead, she forced a lie. - I miss him too, but... he went abroad. -

Paula spun around, her small face scrunching up in frustration. - So I'll never see him again?! -

Ellie stepped forward and glently places a hand on her daughter's shoulder. - Paula, gorgeous, listen. - She lowered her voice softly. - We can't make him come back... so let's just have fun together, okay? How about we go to the movies this afternoon? -

Paula, after all, was a kid, and the idea of watching a movie; specially a cartoon one, made her forget her sadness for a while. They enjoyed their sandwiches under the shade of a tree, then played little more, running around to pass the time before the movie started.

On their way to the theater, a car nearly hit them. It was almost impossible to hear anything over the constant wailing of sirens echouing through the city. Ellie's senses sharpened. A moment of distraction, and that could've been fatal. She squeezed Paula's hand a little tighter but kept walking.

The theatre was also eerily empty, with only a few workers and some parents taking their children to see the latest animated movie. Ellie bought Paula as many treats as she wanted, popocorn, chocolates and other sweets. The film turned out to be more of a musical than a traditional story, full of songs and dancing, but it kept the children entertained, which was all that really mattered.

As they stepped outside, Ellie shivered as a cold breeze brushed against her skin.

- We should head home quickly, gorgeous. - She extended her hand, and Paula held it gently.

The sirens hadn't stopped. Another ambulance sped past them, it lights flashing. Ellie couldn't help but watch it disappear down the street. 'How many people must have been hurt tonight.' A strange unease crept over her, a chill deepr than the night air. Something was wrong, but she couldn't quite place what.

Not far away, gripping a half-empty whiskey bottle, Jason was watchin them from inside his car.

'What a fucking lovely coincidence.' He took another sip, eyes bloodshot, his grip tightening around the steering wheel as he followed them from a distance.

'Because of you I'm like this now... nobody wants to come to my studio anymore... More girls pressed charges...' He glanced himself at the rearvie mirror; sweating, disheveled, drunk.

'Look what she turned you into... If Paula isn't mine... She won't be anyone's'

His foot slammed onto the gas pedal.

The tires screetched, but he wailing sirens drowned the sound. The car shot forward, aimed straight at Ellie and Paula.

Maybe it was fate. Maybe it was just dumb luck. Or maybe he was simply too drunk to steer properly.

Jason lost control.

The car veered sharply, skidding wildly before flipping over. It rolled violently down the street, hitting everything in its path. Ellie barely had time to register what was happening; one moment, Paula was holding her hand.

The next, she was gone.

Ellie turned in horror as Paula was flung away.

The car continued flipping until it finally came to a brutal halt. Jason, who hadn't been wearing a seatbelt, was thrown through the widshield. His body landed on the pavement in a grotesque position, limbs twisted unnaturally. He wasn't moving. He wasn't breathing.

He was dead.

But Paula; Paula was on the ground too.

Blood pooled around her tiny frame. She barely moved, her breaths shallow and weak.

Ellie's mind refused to process it. She couldn't comprehend what she was seeing.

Then Paula coughed, a broken sob escaping her lips.

- Mommy? - Her voice trembled, fragile, lost.

Ellie ran to her, dropping on her knees.

- Paula! My baby! - Her hands hovered over her daughter, terrified to touch her. - Don't move, sweetheart! Mommy's here! -

Paula whimpered, her little fingers twitching.

- Mommy... it's cold...' -

Ellie's hands shook as she pulled out her phone, dialing emergency services.

- I need an ambulance! Prince Street, in front of the theater! My little girl's been hit by a car! -

- Is she concious? - The operator's voice was professional, calm.

- Yes! - Ellie cried.

- Try to keep her awake, don't move her, if she stops breathing perform the CPR . -

Ellie barely understood half of what the operator was saying.

- Just send an ambulance! Hurry! - Ellie leaned over Paula, who was trembling, her skin turning alarmingly pale.

The operator's voice was rushed, strained. - I'm sorry, but we're overwhelmed tonight. The ambulance will take longer to arrive -

A wave of desperation crashed over Ellie. She clenched her phone in frustration, then, overcome with helplessness, threw it onot the pavement, shaterring it into pieces.

- Help! Somebody, please help! -

Paula's eyelids fluttered.

- No, baby, no! stay with me, stay with me! - She gently tapped her cheeks, trying to keep her awake.

She was barely aware of the crowd gathering around them. He world had narrowed to Paula's weakening breaths. Then, suddenly, a car screeched to a stop.

A man jumped out and ran toward them.

- We need to get her in my car! I'll take you to the hospital; quickly! -

Ellie hesitated, her mind still clinging to the operator's words. - They said not to move her... -Her voice was shaky, uncertain.

- I'm a doctor. - The man said firmly. - If we don't get her to the hospital now, she won't make it. I know how to move her safely. -

His tone left no room for argument.

The man appeared to be in his early thirties, dressed casually, but the way he took control of the situation, giving quick instructions to the bystanders, made it clear that he knew what he was doing.

With the help of two other men and an old blanket, they carefully lifted Paula and placed her in the back seat. Ellie climbed beside her.

The doctor slammed the door shut and floored the accelerator.

- My name's Carl. Don't worry, she is going to make it, just keep her awake. -

Ellie barely acknowledged him. All that mattered was Paula. The little girl's blood was staining the back seat, and Ellie knew; Carl was right. If they had waited. Paula wouldn't have survived.

Ellie exhaled in relief as soon as she saw the Hospital sing in the distance, Paula's eyes were open. but she seemed unaware of anything around her. Her breathing and pulse weakening by the minute.

Carl finally pulled up to the emergency entrance, misjudging the braking distance and bumping into an ambulance that was almost to leave. But that didn't matter.

- Help! Someone! Female, aproximately five to seven years old; multiple trauma, possible internal bleeding! She needs a surgical team and an immediae blood transfusion! -

Hospital staff rushed out with a stretcher. They carefully transferred Paula onto it, using the old blanket as support.

- Who are you? - One of the medics asked Carl.

- I'm a doctor but I don't work here. I was heading to my hospital to assist with the victims of the collapse, what a night, uh? -

As the hospital staff worked swiftly. Ellie stood frozen, watching helplessly as they wheeled Paula inside. She felt useless. Powerless. Devastated.

Driven by pure instinct, she followed them down the corridor as they rushed Paula toward the operating room. But then; suddenly, a door stopped her. She wasn't allowed to go any further. And just like that, loneliness and despair set in.

Nobody spoke to her. Nobody could tell her how bad things were. She collapsed onto a chair, still trying to process everything that had happened. Desperate, she reached for her phone; only to remember she had shattered it on the pavement.

With trembling hands, she found a public phone and dialed her parents' number.

- Who's there? - Her mother answered.

Ellie barely had the streght to speak. - It's Paula. - Her voice broke, She had no more tears left, only ragged, uneven breaths.

- What happened? - He mother's voice filled with panic.

It wasn't until she spoke the words out lout that the full weight of the situation crashed down on her. Her mind went blank. Her body felt numb. She let the phone hang from its cord and stumbled back toward the door she couldn't pass through.

Minutes, hours, days. It all felt the same. Time had lost its meaning.

Her parents found her sill standing in front of that door, quietly sobbing. No news about Paula. No updates.

- Ellie, no news is good news. - Her mother said, trying to reassure her.

They gently guided her to a chair, and all they could do was wait.

At 1:00 AM, Carl finally emerged, wearing the doctor's gown stained with blood. His face was pale and grim, his exhaustiont evident.

Ellie's breath caught in her throat. She braced for the worst.

- She's stable for now. - Carl said. - Her leg is broken, multiple ribs fractured; one of the punctured a lung, which is why she was bleeding so much. But... - His voice flattered.

- But what? - Ellie's father demaned.

Carl hesitated - She need a blood transfusion, she is O-negative, which means she can only receive blood from another O-negative donor. With tonight's accident, the hospital's blood bank is completely out of stock... - He sighed, rubbing his forehead. - I'm sorry, but if we don't find a donnor soon... she won't make it through the night. -

The words hit Ellie like a knife to the heart.

- Ony one person can see her for now. - Carl continued. - She's in the ICU. -

Ellie stepped forward immediately. - I'll go. -

Carl nodded and for her to follow.

As they walked the corridor, Ellie caught glimpses of the other operating rooms, where doctor fought desperately to save lives. 'My baby went through that alone...'

Finally, they reached the ICU window. Paula was lying there, connected to multiple machines. Tubes ran through her tiny body, a ventilator forcing air into her damaged lungs. She looked so small, so fagile; so still.

'I cannot lose you... I won't lose you.'

None of her parents, nor Ellie herself, were O negative. Her daughter's life was slipping away with every passing moment. She pressed her forehead against the glass, listening to the sounds of the machines inside. The steady rhythm of the ventilator “uhh, few, uhh few” reminded her of that morning in the park, of Puala pretending to be Darth Vader; of Harry.

'Oh God! He is universal donnor... I have to try!'

She sprinted out of the ICU and ran to the waiting room, where her parents were still anxiously waiting.

- Mom! Give me your phone! -

Her mother looked confused but handed it over without question.

Ellie was one of thouse rare people who could still memorize phone numbers. She dialed Harry's number and waited, her hands trembling.

'Don't hang up... don't hang up...'

After a few seconds, she heard his voice.

- Harry speaking, who is this? -

Hearing him felt like salvation.

- Harry it's me; Ellie. Please, don't hang up. I know you don't want to see me, but this is an emergency! -

She spoke so fast that she barely had time to breathe, fearing he would cut the call short.

- What happened, Ellie? I've been trying to rach you for weeks. -

Ellie was too frantic to process his words.

- It's Paula! We're at St. Marie's Hospital; She needs an O negative blood transfusion, or she won't make it. -

Silence, just for a second. Then

- I'm on my way. -

Then call ended.

For the first time that night, hope filled Ellie's chest. Harry could save her daughter. That was all that mattered.

Harry arrived sooner than expected. He must have driven like a maniac to get accross the city that fast, but he was there, safe and willing to whatever it took.

Ellie was standing near the entrance, eyes locked on the doors, waiting. The second Harry spotted her, he ran.

Before she could react, he pulled her into a tight hug; something she never expected.

- Where is she? - He asked urgently

- Inside the ICU. -

Felling his warmth, even for a moment, made her nerves calm down a little.

But before she could say anything else. Harry stormed past her, heading straight inside.

- Wait! you can't just! - Ellie called after him, but Harry didn't stop.

Harry ran through the hospital corridors, frantically looking for the ICU. A staff memeber spotted him.

- Sir, you can't be here. If you don't leave, I'll have to call secuirty. -

Harry turned to him, panting.

- I'm here to donate blood for Paula Lockheart! she's in the ICU! -

The worked hesitated, scanning Harry from head to toe, then nodded.

- Follow me. -

Harry followed at full speed. When they arrived at the ICU, the worker prepared a chair and pulled out an empty blood bag.

- Take a seat; we'll start the transfusion immediately. -

Harry sat down, but his eyes never left Paula. She was so pale, so still. His heart clenched painfully in his chest.

'I'll save you, no matter the cost.'

- Roll up your sleeve, sir. - The worker instructed.

Harry did as told. That's when they noticed the fresh puncture mark on his arm.

- Sir... have you already donated blood today? -

Harry nodded.

- Yes. Do it anyway; I don't care. -

The worker swallowed hard, visibly nervous.

- I... I can't. It's against regulations... you could die. -

Harry grabbed the man's, his grip firm.

- I'll sign whatever you need. It's my decision. Just do it; now. -

The worker hesitated, then ran out of the room. Minutes later, he returned with a doctor and a stack of paper.

- Mr. Goodman, do you understand that you're risking your life? The hospital won't take responsability if anything happens to you? -

Harry nodded. - I understand. Give me the papers. -

The doctor handed them over, Harry quickly signed.

- You're a good man. - The doctor murmured as they began the procedure.

As his blood flowed into Paula's body, Harry started to feel lightheaded. His vision blurred, his limbs felt heavy, but he forced himself to stay conscious, to focus on Paula.

Then, just for a moment; her eyelids fluttered open.

With great effort, she turned her gaze toward Harry and gave him a weak, tiny smile.

- Papa. -

Then, she slipped back into unconciousness.

A single tear ran down Harry's cheek.

There was no news from Harry or Paula. Ellie felt impatient. She wasn't a religious person, but when she spotted the sing for the hospital's chapel, she decided to go inside. It was empty at that time of night. She sat down and, for the first time in years, began to pray, seeking guidance.

Then;

A voice echoed inside her head.

“Hello Ellie, I'm sorry about what had happened to you and to Paula.”

She jolted upright, glancing around the empty chapel.

- Who's there? Is this... God? -

“Technically, I'm not God, but in a way, I am your creator. I wanted to speak with you before this story reaches its end.”

- Story? Is this some kind of book? -

“Yes, in a way. Though, to be honest, this wasn't the kind of story I originally wanted to write. Romance isn't really my genre, but as I shaped this narrative, I grew attached to you.”

Ellie scoffed. - Romance? If you think this is a romance, you should go back to school. -

“I know. And I did that on purpose. Romance is often predictable and full of clichés; I wanted something different, something fresh for eager readers. But that's why I wanted to apologize for everything I put you through. All that pain, all that suffering... It was necessary for the story to unfold. It was meant to shape you, to help you evolve.

- You sound like a psychopath. -

“I understand why you despise me. But before I go, I want to tell you something. From this moment on, I will no longer control your destiny. You are free to live in your life as you choose, to make your own decisions, to find your own happiness.”

Ellie clenched her fists - Then why don't you just fix everything? Make Paula wake up, make his nothing more than a bad dream? -

“Because I serve the readers. And you, more than anyone, know that they would hate that. Drama exist to remind us that life isn't easy, that struggles shape who become. Pain gives meaning to joy. And now, Ellie, It's your turn to live without my hand guiding your fate.”

The voice faded, leaving Ellie alone in the silence of the chapel.

Ellie stepped out of the chapel, she was still stunned by her “divine” interaction. She spotted Harry going through the doors of the waiting room. He was holding a can of soda, his steps were unsteady, and his skin pale.

Ellie ran to help him, her parents were nowhere to be found.

- Harry, are you okay? - She helped him sit on a chair, noticing his legs trembled.

- Doctors wanted to keep me under observation... but I needed to find you. We need to talk. - His chest rose and fell heavily, as if every breath was a struggle.

- I called you everyday... but you always hung up. - Elle held his hand.

- I called you everyday too... but you were the one who kept hanging up. - Harry's eyes felt heavy, his expression full of exhaustion and confusion.

- That day, you texted me... you asked me to come because Stacy locked herself in the bathroom. - Sadness washed over her as she remembered.

- No, you texted me like a psycho, I feared you wanted to hurt Stacy. - Harry pulled out his phone and showed her the messages.

Ellie shook her head. - I never wrote that. -

Harry frowned. - Then, who did? -

Ellie sighed. - I don't know... but whoever it was ruined our lifes. -

Maybe it was the blood loss or the slight fever, but suddenly, a memory surfaced in Harry's mind. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Susan, his ex-wife, had also recieved strange messages supposedly fom him, and she had often been unable to reach him by phone.

- Look... this had happened before... the only link between Susan and you is Stacy... Do you think she's the one who did this to us? -

Ellie hesitated, processing the implications. - I don't know... she's always been obssesed with you... but the way she staged that scene, making it look like I tried to kill her... it proves she's not just manipulative... she's insane. -

She fell silent for a few moments before whispering;

- I could only reach you through my mother's phone, I think somehow... she is controlling our phones. I don't know how, but we need to stop her. -

Harry masagged the sides of his forehead. - I've got an idea, can I borrow your mother's phone? -

Ellie hesitated but she handed it to him. - What are you planning? let me go with you. -

Harry shook his head. - She could use you to hurt me. Stay here with Paula; she might wake up at any moment. -

Ellie tried to stop him. - Then do it tomorrow, after you have some rest. -

Harry gently pulled her hand away. - She has destroyed years of my life, I can't wait to settle this, don't worry I'll be fine. -

He kissed her softly, the memories between them warmed them both, making them feel whole again.

- I'll be back. -

Harry stepped out the Hospital as best as he could, his vision was blurry and the legs weak.

Once inside his car, he searched the glove box, there it was Amanda Thorn's phone number. He dialed. It was nearly 4 in the morning he wasn't expecting an answer but he tried anyway.

- Who the hell is it? - Amanda's sharp voice came through the receiver.

A male voice sounded in the background. - Amanda, get back to bed we're not done yet. -

- Shh. - She silenced him. - You'd better have some good reason to call me at this hour. -

Harry spoke with difficulty. - It's Harry Goodman. Stacy's brother. -

Amanda sighed. - Are you drunk? -

-No, I'm serious. I have proofs that she has been comiting cybercrimes against me, Ellie and maybe others. I need you to come by her house and record whatever happens there. She's good enough to erase any digital evidence, so I need you... just in case I don't make it. -

There was a silence for a moment before Amanda muttered. - I'll be there. -

Harry hung up. He was feeling weaker, but he had no time to waste.

Driving in his condition; dizzy, shivering, exhausted, was reckless. Every kilometer was a battle. But finally, he reached Stacy's house. The living room lights were on. He hadn't been home that night, which was enough reason for Stacy to be awake. Checking his phone, he saw dozens of missed calls and messages.

Outside, Amanda stood waiting, dressed in workout clothes, cigarette in hand. Even in casual attire, she was striking. - You'd better be right about this, or I'll kick your ass. -

Harry opened the door with his key, and Amanda slipped inside just behind him, hidding in the closet near the entrance. She pulled out her phone and started recording.

Harry advanced slowly, Stacy noticed him immediately.

- Harry! Where the hell where you? - She clutched her phone tightly.

Harry pulled out his own phone, which felt heavy in his hand. He dialed Ellie's number. Stacy's immediately lit up with an incoming call; from him.

- So that's how you did it? - He muttered.

Stacy quickly hung up and put on an innocent expression. - I don't know what you're talking about, Harry? -

Harry's body trembled, he had to steady himself against the wall. - Even with the proof in your hand, you still deny it? - Harry forced himself to stand straight. - How long have you been doing this? -

Stacy stepped forward him, still in her nightgown. The scars from her self-inflicted wounds were visible on her arms. - I've done nothing wrong... I'm just keeping what belongs to me. -

Harry expression darkened. - Answer the fucking question. -

She stopped a few steps away, smiling playfully. - It's so unfair, if our parents had never met, we could've been a normal couple. But they ruined it... - She took sighed. - Do you remember their wedding, Harry? -

Harry's jaw tightened - I do -

She placed a finger on her lips as if revealing a secret. - Remember the backyard?, our first kiss? We were meant to be together, Harry. Don't deny it. It's a shame I was so young and insecure back then. If I had been older, we would have slept under that tree. -

Harry clenched his fist. - No! I was drunk that night. I had never kissed a girl before, and you were so excited to teach me... it was akward after that, I never saw you as anything other than my sister. -

Stacy stormed toward him and grabbed his shirt, Harry was too weak to fight back. - Getting rid of your girlfriends at highschool was easy, I had just to spread rumours or introduce some other guy to make you thinkg they were cheating. Susan was tougher, though. No matter how many messages I sent, no matter how many doubts I planted, she wouldn't see the “truth”. But in the end, she left. -

Harry finally shoved her off. - Were you working with Jason during the trial? -

Stacy chuckled. - Work with that loser? Never. But I wanted Ellie to suffer, and I loved the idea of that pervert getting custody of her little brat. I planted the fake evidence and fed that idiot lawyer exactly what he needed. He was like my little puppet, so desperate to win that he never questioned anything.

Harry was disgusted. - Then why did you date Jason if you knew what kind of man he was? -

She smirked, bitting her lip. - You still don't get it, do you? I always chose the worst boyfriends; to make you see that you were the best choice for me. Jason cheated on me the moment he got what he wnated. Not that I let him do much. I was saving myself for you. -

Harry felt bile rising his throat. - You're sick, Stacy. Do you really think, after everything you've done, that I'd ever want to be near you? -

Stacy slowly untied her gown, letting it fall to reveal her body; perfectly sculpted, undeniably beautiful. - I've built this body for you over the years, just for you to enjoy. I know you want me as much as I want you. You're exhausted. Let's go to bed... I'll take care of you. -

Harry recoiled in disgust. - Get the hell away from me. I never want to see you again. If you come near me, I swear I'll have you arrested.

- How is that going to happen? I'll delete all my traces, you can't scape from me. - Stacy smirked

Then Amanda stepped forward, stopping the recording on her phone. - I think you can't delete this one. -

Stacy laughed. - You can't touch me, I'm your CLIENT, I paid for Ellie's case. my name was on all the documents. Conflict of interest. Amanda, you can't do shit to me. -

Amanda smirked full of confindence. - I think you'll find that some powerful people owe me favors. And they're just as good as I am making problems disappear... or appear. If you don't leave harry alone, you'll spend a long, long time behind bars. -

For the first time, Stacy's confidence wavered.

But she quickly recovered, smirking at Harry. - You can't scape me. -

Harry gathered his remaining strength and shouted. - I despise you, I don't want to see you ever again. Fuck you Stacy. -

Stacy stood frozen, her entire world crumbling. The love of her life; the only thing she had ever truly wanted, ws now lost to her forever. Her obssesion, her control, her manipulation; none of it mattered anymore.

Amanda helped Harry to get out of the house, leaving Stacy behind, standing alone in the living room, her gaze empty, her future shattered.