chapter 38

Chapter 38

As the adrenaline surged through Nikki's veins, she acted swiftly, grabbing her clothes and darting towards the safety of the bathroom. With trembling hands, she locked the door behind her, her heart pounding in her chest as she leaned against it for support.

Outside, Alexander's enraged shouts echoed through the hotel corridor, reverberating with a primal intensity that sent shivers down Nikki's spine. She could hear the thunderous sound of his fists pounding against the door, each blow a chilling reminder of the danger that lurked just beyond.

But Nikki was already formulating her escape plan, her mind racing with possibilities as she scanned the room for a way out. Spotting the ventilation shaft in the corner, she wasted no time, her determination lending her strength as she hoisted herself up and squeezed through the narrow opening.

As she emerged on the other side, a surge of relief washed over her, mingled with a sense of urgency to put as much distance between herself and Alexander as possible. She sprinted through the alleyways and side streets, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she hailed a passing taxi.

"Quick, to the cemetery," she instructed the driver, her voice tense with urgency as she clutched her belongings tightly to her chest.

As the taxi sped towards her destination, Nikki's thoughts raced, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She knew she had to act fast, to retrieve the money she needed for her escape before Alexander could track her down.

Arriving at the cemetery, Nikki made her way to her grandmother's grave, the solemn silence of the place offering a brief respite from the chaos that surrounded her. With a sense of reverence, she knelt beside the headstone, offering a silent prayer for guidance and protection in the days to come.

With a trembling hand, she retrieved one of the bags of money from its hiding place, her fingers closing around it like a lifeline. As she made her way back to the taxi, she felt a surge of determination wash over her, a steely resolve to reclaim her freedom and forge a new path forward, no matter the obstacles that lay ahead.

As the taxi sped towards the airport,