Chapter 85

A hollow heart could be mended over time, but physical damage was permanent and irreversible. Mila curled up on the bed, her mind drifting in and out of consciousness. Fortunately, the painkillers were starting to take effect, and the sharp cramps in her stomach gradually eased. But she was still cold. The chill brought her memories back to that rainy night, the shut door, the black umbrella, and the hand that had pulled her from the mud. A sharp knock at the door startled Mila awake. She sat up quickly, the empty room reminding her that she had only been dreaming. The knocking started again, louder and more urgent than before. It felt as if someone were pounding directly on her head. Mila checked the time and saw that it was past midnight. She wondered who would be looking for her so late. Before she could move, her phone rang. The caller ID showed "Mr. Freebie". Still half-asleep, she didn't immediately recognize it. She forgot that she had changed Matteo's caller ID after