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AS THE SHADOWS OF HER beloved friends faded in the horizon , reality had set in. Amelia Clarke was a wanted woman and a loose end for the Cameron family as one statement from her could tear down their thriving empire. But she knew Ward Cameron would go to extreme lengths to ensure that she could never even reach the police station and so much so mutter a word against his dynasty.
Just as her thoughts spiraled deeper into fear, a familiar voice pierced through the haze of her mind. "John B!!" Sarah Cameron's voice echoed across the water, full of relief and excitement. Amelia turned to see her best friend sprinting down the dock, hair flying and eyes wide with hope.
"Sarah!" Amelia's heart surged. For a moment, the weight on her chest lightened. She hadn't expected to see her friend here, not after everything that had happened. Sarah jumped onto the boat, breathless and radiant, her presence igniting a spark of joy amid Amelia's turmoil.
"Thank God I found you!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes shining. "I thought I lost you guys for good!"
Amelia felt a rush of emotions. She wanted to share everything—the fear, the pain, the guilt of leaving Rafe behind, beaten and broken. But as Sarah wrapped her arms around her, Amelia held back her tears. The boat rocked gently beneath them, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her.
"Thank God," John B said, rushing to her side. They embraced tightly, and Amelia felt a pang of gratitude. Sarah was safe, and that was what mattered.
"Where have you been? We thought we lost you!" John B exclaimed, pulling back to look at her.
"I got separated in the marsh. I thought I'd never find my way back," Sarah said, her voice trembling.
Amelia stepped forward, her heart swelling with relief. "I'm so glad you're okay, Sarah." In which the blonde girl embraced her in another tight hug as her response.
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"We'll go dark and let the tide pull us out," John B whispered, his voice low and serious as he gestured for the girls to crouch down. Amelia felt a surge of adrenaline as she tucked her knees to her chest, her heart racing at the thought of being spotted.
The boat rocked gently with the waves, the sound of the ocean filling the tense silence. She stole a glance at Sarah, who looked equally anxious yet hopeful.
"Stay quiet," John B instructed, peering over the edge of the boat. The darkness of the night enveloped them, but the fear of being caught loomed larger than ever. As the tide began to pull them away from shore, Amelia's thoughts drifted to the choices she'd made. She had left Rafe behind—her heart ached at the thought, but she had to prioritize her safety and her friends.
