Chapter 5 - Collision
Aaliyah's hands trembled as she stared at the two unconscious men in front of her. She had to escape, she couldn't end like this. She knew her father's men would come looking for her anytime soon, therefore, she had to get a move on.
With a surge of adrenaline, she hit the broken glass with the extinguisher and climbed out. Though, her head was throbbing like hell, she still staggered to the road, despite the eyes that were on her.
Staggering, she stepped into the road, disoriented.
Time slowed.
Headlights blinded her.
Tires screeched.
Aaliyah's world went dark.
In Damon's sedan, his driver, Jonah, expertly navigated the evening traffic. Damon sat beside him, Avery to his right, and Levi behind them.
"Almost there, sir," Jonah said.
Suddenly, a figure stumbled into the road.
"Watch out!" Levi shouted.
Jonah swerved, but it was too late.
The sedan hit Aaliyah, sending her flying onto the hood.
"Stop!" Damon yelled.
Jonah slammed the brakes.
Avery gasped. "Oh my god!"
Levi leapt out.
Instantly, he recognized the unconscious body which was lying on the ground with blood all over.
" Aaliyah?" Levi whispered.
Levi's eyes immediately widened as he yelled, " I know her! She's Aaliyah, the friend of Jordan I was telling you about!"
Avery's eyes narrowed, " Isn't she the homewrecker?-"
" Don't call her that" Levi warned.
"Damon, we need to help her!" Levi exclaimed.
Damon rushed to Aaliyah's side.
" What's her name?" Damon asked and Levi immediately answered, " Aaliyah".
"Aaliyah, can you hear me?" Damon asked.
She stirred.
"Easy," Damon said. "You've been in an accident."
Avery joined them.
"We should call an ambulance," Avery suggested.
Damon nodded.
As they waited, Aaliyah's gaze drifted between the strangers surrounding her.
"Who..." she whispered.
"I'm Damon Drakeford," he replied. "This is Levi and Avery."
For some reason, his name sounded familiar and she couldn't see Levi clearly, so she simply hummed in response.
Aaliyah's eyes locked onto Damon's.
"Why were you running?" Damon asked gently.
Aaliyah's expression faltered.
"I..." she trailed off.
Damon's eyes narrowed.
"We'll get you help," he promised.
Aaliyah nodded.
As they waited for the ambulance, Damon's instincts screamed that this chance encounter was more than coincidence.
Jonah approached.
"Sir, is everyone alright?"
Damon nodded.
"Get the paramedics here, now," Damon ordered.
Jonah hastened away.
Levi whispered to Damon.
"Looks like she's in trouble, man."
Damon's gaze never left Aaliyah.
"I think you're right, Levi."
The ambulance arrived.
As paramedics tended to Aaliyah, Damon's thoughts whirled.
Who was this mysterious woman? And how and why was Jordan still friends with her with the rumors surrounding her name?
And what had driven her to desperation?
Maybe he could get some answers from his sister.
---
Naya's Marital Home
Naya's elegant fingers drummed against the marble countertop, her eyes fixed on Raymund.
"You're late," she said, her voice laced with subtle venom.
Raymund sauntered in, a charming smile plastered on his face.
"Forgive me, my love. Business kept me."
Naya's gaze narrowed.
"Business, or your latest distraction?"
Raymund chuckled.
"Jealous?"
Naya's expression turned glacial.
"Don't think you can charm your way out of this, Raymund. I know about your little 'business meetings'."
Raymund's smile faltered.
"Naya, let's—"
"Don't," she interrupted. "I want to know where Victor stands on Aaliyah's situation."
Raymund's eyes darted around. He frowned when he heard Naya call her father by his name, but quickly replaced it with a smile.
"Victor's...handling it."
Naya's eyes flashed.
"Handling it? Aaliyah's still on the loose."
Raymund's voice dropped.
"Naya, be careful. You don't want to push Victor."
Naya's laughter sent chills.
"You think I'm afraid of Victor? I'll get what I want, Raymund. And if you're smart, you'll remember whose side you're on."
Raymund's expression darkened.
"You're playing with fire, Naya."
Naya's smile was a thin line.
"I'm just getting started"
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