The Day I Chose Power

Blood gushed out as Amelia crumpled to the floor, clutching her stomach.

"I knew you wouldn't be on board with me keeping the baby, Shirley…but you can't just snuff out a life!"

No sooner had the words left her lips than Yoel and his buddies appeared out of thin air, scooping her up and showering her with kisses.

Ethan glared at me, his finger jabbing the air. "Can't a stint in re-education camp knock that principessa attitude out of you?

"Yoel and Amelia have already arranged their wedding, and we are the groomsmen. We originally wanted to invite you to their wedding, but forget it. You're not welcome!"

Nelson shoved me aside. "Stay here and think about what you've done. When you're ready to fix yourself, then you can get help."

With that, they locked me in a room, no visitors allowed.

Three days of lockup left me parched and starving. However, I managed to pick the lock with a hairpin and make a break for it.

I stumbled home, my body a map of bruises, only to find Amelia in the eye of a male storm. She was decked out in a stunning gown, her wrist flashing with a diamond-studded bracelet, the belle of the ball.

There I was, a mess, an unwelcome guest at the grand feast.

However, it was her wrist that caught my eye. "How dare you wear that bracelet!" I felt like I had been struck by lightning as I lunged forward, gripping her wrist with all my might.

Before I could reclaim it, Nelson shoved me hard to the ground, and Ethan held me down, bowing to Amelia without a shred of pride.

"It's a privilege for Amelia to have this old bracelet!"

"Exactly. You've got tons of jewelry. What's the big deal about giving one to Amelia?"

Yoel did nothing as they overpowered me.

"Shirley, how on earth did you get out of that place? You can't possibly still think we're going to get married!"

"Let me make it clear–it's not happening!"

I inhaled deeply, fixing my gaze on the three men.

"This bracelet belonged to my Mamma. She wore it when she first brought you guys home!"

Yoel and the others froze, memories of Madre's gentle care flooding back.

Just then, Amelia burst into tears. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I'll give the bracelet back..."

She did not finish her sentence. With a feigned slip, the bracelet crashed to the ground.

I stared, stunned, as it lay in pieces.

In the next instant, Amelia stomped on it, crushing it completely.

"I don't deserve it. I know you look down on me for my background, but you didn't have to humiliate me with a family heirloom. A Donna wouldn't wear something so simple!

"I have no family, Shirley. What's so wrong about you giving me a bracelet?

"Do you think your rich parents are people, and ours are nothing?"

Amelia clutched her ears and bolted, with my three so-called fiances in tow, dragging me along to follow her.

Before I could catch my breath, a massive truck barreled down the road toward us.

Yoel shouted, "Amelia!"

They all dove to save her.

However, I was left behind, struck by the truck, and flung through the air.

"Shirley!"

As darkness closed in, I caught a glimpse of someone lunging at me and heard the chaos of three frantic voices.

"Amelia's got a scratch. We need to rush her to the ICU, now!"