Chapter 177: A tragic accident
Ivy’s eyes widened in horror, the realization of Zack’s calculated plan sending chills down her spine. At that moment, she clung to the desperate hope that the cops might still save her from this nightmare. She scrambled to her feet, ignoring the searing pain in her leg, and took off running.
This time, Zack didn’t chase after her. Instead, he calmly pulled out his phone and dialed the police station. When the call connected, he spoke with feigned urgency. "I just saw Ivy Hill in the deserted lane near downtown. You need to hurry."
A smug smile crossed his face as he ended the call, satisfied with his deception. He walked back to his car, started the engine, and began following Ivy at a slow, menacing pace, savoring the fear he knew was coursing through her.
Ivy glanced back over her shoulder and saw the headlights of Zack’s car closing in on her. Panic surged through her, and she forced herself to run faster, despite the burning pain in her lungs and the aching in her legs.
Every breath felt like fire, but she didn’t dare stop. The only thought in her mind was to escape this dark, desolate lane and find someone—anyone—who could help her.
As she sprinted ahead, she spotted the glow of lights in the distance. Hope surged within her, a small flicker of light in the overwhelming darkness. If she could just reach the end of the lane, she might find safety or at least someone who could help her get away from Zack.
Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, Ivy pushed herself harder, her legs pumping as fast as they could carry her. The lights grew brighter with each step, and the thought of reaching safety kept her going, even as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her.
Zack pursued Ivy with unrelenting determination, keeping just enough distance to push her deeper into a panic. The roar of his car engine behind her constantly reminded her that the danger was closing in. Desperation clouded Ivy’s mind as she darted across the lane, her instincts urging her to escape at any cost.
In her frantic dash, she failed to notice a car speeding toward her from the right. Her eyes widened in terror as the blinding headlights bore down on her. Momentum carried her forward, and before she could even attempt to stop, she was struck.
The impact sent her body flying through the air, flailing helplessly before crashing down to the asphalt like a ragdoll. Agonizing pain erupted throughout her body, seizing her breath. Her head throbbed, and every nerve screamed in torment as she lay trembling on the cold ground, gasping for air.