Echoes of a Shattered Vow

At her parents' graves, Lillian bowed slowly.

In the past, when Elton hurt her, she'd come here to pour out her heart.

This time, she didn't cry.

She just spoke firmly. "Mom, Dad, I'm done with Elton. I'm going abroad to live with Uncle Alonzo. I don't know when I'll see you guys again."

After paying her respects, she didn't wait for Elton.

As she prepared to leave, someone grabbed her, covering her mouth and dragging her to a shadowy spot.

She struggled desperately, then saw a familiar figure step out from behind a tree.

Jill came over and slapped her across the face. "Do you think I can't see through your little act? You think playing the victim and bringing up your parents will make Elton love you? He's with me now. You still won't give up? Do you think I'm invisible? Since you love playing weak so much, let me help you out."

Jill smirked and signaled behind her. Several men with leering grins lunged at Lillian.

She tried to scream, but the man holding her stuffed a rag in her mouth.

"Stop struggling. No one's coming," Jill taunted, looking down at her. "Oh, and one more thing. I asked Elton what he'd do if he married anyone but me. He said he'd kill her, then himself. He loves me so much. No way he could be swayed by you. Honestly, I just can't stand you. How dare you try to steal him from me? Get ready to face the consequences."

Lillian's mind reeled. 'So, that's why Elton was reborn, too.'

After pulling her oxygen tube, he'd taken his own life, consumed by guilt over Jill. Even now, when she'd stepped back, they wouldn't let her go.

Lillian fought to protect herself, a tear sliding down her cheek.

"What do we do with her, boss?" one man asked.

"Useless idiots!" Jill snapped, taking out a pill from her bag and tossing it to him. "Make her swallow this. It'll sap her strength and make her cooperate."

Lillian stared at the pill in horror, scrambling back.

Suddenly, Elton's voice cut through. "Jill, are you there?"

Lillian thrashed, muffled cries escaping the rag, hoping to draw him over.

The hooligan panicked, shoving the rag deeper in a hurry.

Elton caught the noise and started toward them. "Jill, is that you?"

"Shit, he found us," groaned the hooligan.

"Damn it," Jill cursed under her breath. "I forgot the tracker on my phone."

She gritted her teeth and messed up her hair before grabbing the pill from the hooligan and swallowing it. "Quick, grab me. Make it look like you're attacking me."

The hooligans hesitated. "Uh, is that okay?"

"Do it!" Jill hissed. "Say Lillian set you up. You'll get a big reward."

She yanked the rag from Lillian's mouth and shoved her aside before collapsing dramatically.

Before Lillian could scream, she wailed, "Help! Elton, where are you? Save me! Get away from me! Help!"

"Jill!" Elton sprinted over, his eyes blazing at the scene.