Chapter 3 Starting Anew

With her heart thumping in her chest, Lily staggered across the dark alleys. She knew she had to leave James but didn't know where she was going. She was his next victim, and he was a monster.

Running until she was out of breath, she collapsed into a park bench. As she struggled to accept what had happened, tears fell down her cheeks.

She had trusted James with her life because she loved him. However, he had deceived her in the most heinous manner. He had killed Damian, and now he was after her.

Lily was aware that she had to leave New York. She needed to vanish and start again in another place. Where, though?

She remembered Sarah, a friend who lived in a small Maine town. Sarah was the only person she knew who could assist her.

Lily's voice was shaking as she contacted Sarah. When Sarah heard what had happened, she was stunned but volunteered immediately. She assured Lily that she would care for her if she came to Maine.

Lily took the next bus to Maine after packing a little backpack. She arrived in Sarah's town the following day, emotionally and physically spent.

Sarah gave Lily a room in her spare bedroom and greeted her warmly. Lily slept, ate, and spoke with Sarah for the following few days. Sarah listened patiently as she told her everything that had transpired.

The ordeal Lily had endured appalled Sarah. She promised to support her through this and reassured her that she was secure now.

Lily gradually started to feel secure and at ease. She knew she would never be alone again and was thankful to have Sarah.

One day, Lily noticed a familiar face as she strolled through the town. James was the one.

Lily felt her heart thumping in her chest. She was aware that she needed to leave him. He was quicker than her as she turned and bolted.

He reached her and took hold of her arm.

"Lily, please," he pleaded in a beseeching tone. "Let me explain."

Lily refused to listen to his justification. He was lying, and she knew it.

She said, "Get away from me!"

She was shoved up against a wall by James.

"You're not going anywhere," he replied in a threatening, icy tone.

Lily fought him, but he was too powerful. She was aware that she was in danger.

An automobile abruptly drove up next to them. A man exited the vehicle and sprinted in their direction.

"James, what are you doing?" "That's what the man said."

James turned to face the man, anger shining in his eyes.

He said, "Get out of my way,"

The man refused to back down.

The words "Let her go, James," he said. "This is over."

The man was quicker than James as he pounced at him. He knocked James to the ground by punching him in the face.

Then, the man turned to Lily and assisted her in standing up.

He said, "Are you okay?"

With tears running down her cheeks, Lily nodded.

She said, "Thank you," in a whisper.

The man smiled at her.

Saying, "I'm Michael," "I'm a friend of Sarah's."

James was still on the ground when Lily and Michael left him. Lily appreciated Michael's assistance even though she knew she would never be safe from him.

She was finally free but realized she still had a long way to go. She was making a fresh start.

James is still out there, waiting for his opportunity to strike as Lily and Michael begin dating.