"Shattered Vows: A Tale of Toxicity"

37. Doll

In the dimly lit room, William sat on the sofa, his expression obscured by shadows dark circles around his eyes, a testament to the restless nights spent searching for Amelia.

"You really don't know where your daughter is, Mr. Harrington?" His voice sliced through the heavy silence, causing the others in the room to flinch. Amelia's father, Mr. Harrington, sat on the floor alongside Amelia's stepmother and stepsister, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty.

"I don't know anything about her. I never contacted her after her marriage," Mr. Harrington replied, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and horror.

Suddenly, William rose from the sofa, his movements deliberate and menacing as he leaned in towards Mr. Harrington. "You sold your daughter and gambled with the money I gave you. Not only that, you lost everything and now you're living as a freeloader in one of my villas. How dare you?" His words dripped with contempt, his eyes flashing with undisguised rage. "Now that your daughter left me, what will happen to you and your family?"

"P-please, Mr. William," Mr. Harrington stammered, desperation filled his words. "My family can't survive without your help. Amelia, she will be back soon. There's no one she can depend on-"

But William cut him off with a dismissive wave of his hand, his resolve unyielding. Before leaving, he instructed James, to throw them out of the villa, the finality of his command leaving no room for argument.

As William's car idled in the traffic, he rolled down the window, his gaze fixed on the bustling street outside. "I know you're alive, Amelia," he murmured under his breath, his voice tinged with frustration. "But why can't I find you? Where the hell are you?"

Suddenly, something caught his eye-a toy store, its windows adorned with colorful displays. Among them, a doll with blonde hair stood out like a beacon in the night. Without hesitation, William opened the car door and stepped out into the chaos of the street.

Inside the store, he reached out and took the doll from the shelf, holding it in his hands as if it were the most precious treasure in the world. "I found you, Amelia," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Back in the car, William placed the doll on the seat beside him, his fingers caressing its delicate features. As James drove, he glanced in the rearview mirror, his heart pounding in his chest at the sight of his master speaking to the doll with a tenderness that sent shivers down his spine.

                                   ~~~

The clock ticked on,each second echoing in Aaron's restless mind as he tossed and turned in his bed. The weight of Amelia's impending departure hung heavy in the air, suffocating his attempts at sleep. Her words replayed like a broken record, etching themselves deeper into his consciousness with repetition.

Morning arrived with a soft glow slipping through the curtains, casting a faint light across the room. Amelia, prepared herself to leave as she stood at the threshold of her room, a pang of bittersweet nostalgia washed over her. "This room is so cozy," she murmured to herself, a bitter smile playing on her lips, "but it doesn't belong to me."

Descending the stairs, Amelia was greeted by Aaron and his family, all gathered. Their presence, a silent testament to the bond formed during her stay, warmed her heart. "Thank you for letting me stay," she said softly, her voice tinged with gratitude.

Before Amelia could utter another word, Aaron's mother approached her, a small tiffin box in hand. "Girl, even though you stayed for a short time I really liked you so you will be missed," she said warmly, pressing the box into Amelia's hands. "I don't know how far your home is, but I made these for you," she added, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

Aaron, unable to shake off the concern gnawing at him, spoke up. "Is there anyone coming to take you home?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Amelia hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering uncertainly. "No, I can go home by myself," she replied, a hint of reluctance in her tone.

"Why don't I drop you home?" Aaron offered, his concern outweighing any hesitation. His father joined in, voicing his agreement. "Yes, let him drop you home," he said with a reassuring smile.

Amelia,caught between them and hesitated "No, I can go by my own," she insisted, her resolve firm. With a final glance at everyone, she bid her farewells and left the house.

An overwhelming feeling of longing gripped Aaron as he observed Amelia's disappearing figure. Though he always knew their paths would part,but he never imagined it would be so painful for him.

After Amelia left standing in the threshold of her room, Aaron couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow at the sight before him the room now lay silent and still, like a mere shell.

                                  ~~~

It already night, the rain pelted down on the windshield, Kevin glanced over at Aaron, concern etched on his face. "So that girl left," Kevin remarked, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped the car.

Aaron nodded solemnly. "Yes, she wanted to leave, and I had no reason to stop her," he replied, his voice tinged with regret. "Do you know where she lives?" Kevin inquired, his eyes flicking briefly to the road ahead.

"No, she never talked much about herself," Aaron admitted, his brow furrowing with worry.

"She had nothing with herself when we found her." Suddenly, Kevin's words triggered a realization in Aaron's mind, and he muttered to himself, "I forgot to give her money I hope someone helped her, and she went home safely."

As the car continued its journey through the dark, rain-soaked streets, Aaron's gaze was drawn to a familiar figure huddled at the bus stop. "Stop the car," he instructed Kevin urgently, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Take this umbrella," Kevin said, handing Aaron the protective shield against the relentless rain. With a nod of thanks, Aaron stepped out of the car and approached the figure sitting on the bench. "Hey, whenever I see you, why do you look so miserable?" he asked softly, his concern evident in his voice.