The moment Amelia stepped beyond the mansion gates, her legs gave out.
She collapsed to her knees, clutching the suitcase as a sob tore free from her chest.
The rain came down harder, soaking her hair, her clothes, seeping straight into her soul. She didn't move. She cried openly, her voice breaking into the storm.
"Why am I always so unlucky?" she whispered, pain twisting in her chest.
A bitter laugh slipped through her tears.
"I really thought… I thought I could finally be happy."
But she had fallen in love.
And that love had shattered her.
"Why does nothing ever go smoothly for me?" she murmured, scrubbing at her face.
With trembling hands, she dragged the suitcase upright and started down the empty road.
She'd barely taken a few steps when headlights cut through the rain.
A car slowed.
Then stopped in front of her.
Amelia squinted through the downpour.
"…Emily?"
The window rolled down.
"You'd better get in" Emily snapped, "before I change my mind."
