s grounding her in a place she had sworn she would never return to. Her fingers traced the faded carvings on the railing-scratches from her younger y

was still alive, and the world hadn't yet shown its sharp edges. But nothing s

voice hardened by years of struggle. But that ordinary exterior hid something far darker. He was the kind of man who let bitterness and resentment se

decisions, unlucky breaks, and Roy's own pride had left the family scraping by, barely able to make ends meet. What little money they had disappeared quickly-Roy's dr

ooth and nail to make sure Amelia had a chance at a better future, working long hours at the local grocery store and the local clinic just t

disease had come swiftly, taking its toll on Maria's body, and the bills began piling up. Treatments were expensive, and with Roy's gambling debts already choking them, it wasn't long

ense of decency. He blamed Amelia for everything-her mother's sickness, the financial strain, the fact that they couldn't afford bet

and a father who had descended even further into his own anger. He had started drinking more heavily after her death, the bott

deeds. He wasn't just a bitter man-he was dangerous. She had always known that Roy

e kitchen table, surrounded by a group of men she didn't recognize. The smell of whiskey and smoke filled

her to come closer, "meet the men who

e air like a live wire. The men had looked her over, their gazes cold and calculating, and she could see the danger in thei

s above water. But the debts had spiraled out of control, and now these men were here to collect. Roy, in his desperation, had agreed to work for them, doing whatever dirty jobs they neede

ng, that he was willing to drag her down with him just to keep himself afloat. It was t

ags and left without looking back. College was her escape, her chance at a fresh start. But even as she built her new l

of that SUV, she realized just how wrong she had been. The message on her phone was proof that

, his brow furrowed in concern. "Amelia, w

the debt, about the men Roy had worked with, or about ho

er voice quiet but steady. "Befor

u think he's the

d ahead. "He's desperate. He's always been desp

hands gripping the steering wheel tightly

Roy's influence. But deep down, she knew the truth. Her father wasn't just a man-the