~38
Bella's POV
As I stepped out of the prison, the weight of my problems felt heavier than ever. My legs ached, my head was pounding, and my heart was filled with frustration. I had no money, no way to pay the lawyer, and no idea how to get Noah out of this mess.
The worst part? I didn't even have enough for transport back to the brothel.
I took a deep breath, looked around, and knew I had only one option, walk.
The sun was blazing, and the heat made my already weak body feel like it was being cooked. My stomach growled in protest, reminding me that I hadn't eaten all day. I ignored it and kept walking. Step after step, block after block. My legs felt like they would give out at any moment, but I couldn't stop.
I had to keep moving.
The road stretched endlessly before me, and every passing car felt like a cruel reminder of how low I had fallen. I wanted to cry, to scream, to just collapse right there on the sidewalk, but I couldn't afford to be weak.
Not now.
