Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN WHO WALKED THROUGH PAIN
Dela's leg had never healed properly.
The warehouse explosion had crushed part of her pelvis and damaged nerves in her left leg.
She spent months learning to walk again.
But she couldn't afford the rehabilitation she needed.
So she worked.
Waitressed.
Cleaned.
Carried trays.
And pretended the pain was manageable.
Cormack noticed.
One evening, he watched her struggle to stand after sitting too long.
“Dela.”
She looked up.
“What?”
“You need medical care.”
She laughed bitterly.
“Excellent observation.”
He frowned.
“I'm serious.”
“So am I.”
Cormack stepped closer.
“I can help.”
Her expression hardened.
“No.”
He stopped.
She continued.
“I don't want your money.”
“It's not about money.”
“It's always about money with men like you.”
Cormack went silent.
Dela looked away.
Then whispered, “I don't want to owe anyone again.”
Cormack studied her.
Then nodded.
“Okay.”
She looked up.
“Okay?”
“Yes.”
He stepped back.
“I won't make decisions for you.”
Dela's eyes filled.
May you like
For the first time in years, someone powerful had offered help without demanding control.
And that frightened her more than she expected.
