Chapter 181: Nightmare Reality

Aurelia Vale remained curled inside the back of the truck, listening to the steady rumble of the engine.

The cramped space was uncomfortable.

Her back ached from sleeping in the same position.

Her legs felt stiff.

And every time the truck went over a bump, she had to hold herself against the side to keep from being thrown around.

But she didn't care.

She had escaped.

That was all that mattered.

Now she needed to figure out how to get to Roman.

Aurelia slowly shifted her position and listened carefully.

She could hear the driver occasionally humming beneath his breath.

The sound of tires against the road filled the rest of the space.

She couldn't simply climb out while the truck was moving.

It was too dangerous.

And if the driver discovered her, she had no idea what he would do.

He could force her back.

He could even call the safe house.

No.

She had to wait.

She needed to get off without being seen.

Aurelia pressed a hand against her stomach.

Her expression softened.

"I'm going to find your father," she whispered.

The thought gave her strength.

She didn't know exactly where the truck was going.

She didn't know how far they were from the safe house.

But she knew where she wanted to go.

The Russo estate.

That was where Roman had been staying.

At least, that was what she believed.

If she could find a bus heading in that direction, she could get there.

She just needed to escape this truck first.

Aurelia closed her eyes and tried to think.

Wait for a stop.

Find somewhere public.

Get out.

Find a bus to Russo Estate.

Go to Roman.

It sounded simple.

But actually doing it was another matter.

The truck continued moving.

Minutes passed.

Then more minutes.

Aurelia could feel the morning heat slowly increasing inside the truck.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead.

She had to be patient.

Eventually, the vehicle slowed.

Aurelia immediately became alert.

The truck turned.

Then came to a complete stop.

She heard the engine remain running.

Aurelia waited.

She heard the driver's door open.

Footsteps.

Then silence.

She carefully moved toward the opening at the back of the truck and listened.

Nothing.

She slowly pushed the door open just enough to look outside.

Her eyes widened.

They were at a gas station.

The truck had stopped to refuel.

People were moving around.

Cars were coming and going.

There was a small convenience store beside the station.

The driver had stepped out and was walking toward it.

Aurelia's heart began racing.

This was her chance.

She looked around again.

The driver disappeared through the store entrance.

Aurelia didn't hesitate.

She climbed out of the truck.

Her feet touched the ground.

For a second, she simply stood there.

Free.

Then she quickly moved away from the vehicle.

She didn't run immediately.

She walked behind another parked vehicle first, making sure the driver couldn't see her.

Then she saw the store entrance.

The driver was still inside.

Aurelia took one last glance at the truck.

Then she ran.

She ran as fast as her legs could carry her.

She didn't know where she was.

She didn't know what direction the safe house was.

And she didn't know exactly how far the Russo estate was.

But she didn't care.

She was finally outside.

She crossed the road and continued down a smaller street, keeping her head lowered whenever a vehicle passed.

Her heart pounded.

Her lungs burned.

But she kept going.

After several minutes, she slowed down.

She turned around.

The truck was nowhere in sight.

Aurelia released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"I'm out."

She placed both hands against her stomach.

"I'm really out."

A small smile appeared on her face.

Then she remembered why she had escaped.

Roman.

The smile faded.

Her eyes filled with worry.

What if something had happened to Roman?

He could be wounded.

He was surrounded by enemies.

He could even be—

"No."

Aurelia shook her head.

She refused to think that way.

Roman was strong.

He would survive.

He had to.

Their baby needed him.

And she needed him too.

Aurelia continued walking until she finally spotted a small bus stop ahead.

Several people were waiting along the roadside.

She hurried toward them.

"Excuse me," she said breathlessly to an older woman standing nearby.

The woman looked at her.

"Yes?"

"Do you know which bus goes toward the Russo estate?"

The woman's expression changed slightly.

"The Russo estate?"

Aurelia nodded.

"Yes."

The woman studied her.

"You know someone there?"

Aurelia hesitated.

Then she smiled faintly.

"Someone I love."

The woman simply pointed toward the road.

"You'll need to take a bus heading toward that side."

Aurelia thanked her.

Then she waited.

She didn't know how long it would take.

She didn't know what awaited her when she arrived.

But she was finally moving toward Roman.

And that was enough.

"Be careful..." The woman said suddenly.

Aurelia looked at her skeptically.

"Why? Did something happen there?"

"Gunshots..." The woman whispered.

Aurelia's eyes popped wide open.

"Nonstop throughout the night."

The woman continued.

Aurelia's fear amplified.

Her nightmares were real.

Roman was really in danger.