Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 49

**TITLE: Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**

**Chapter 49**

Renee remained silent, her lips pressed together in a tight line.

In truth, she didn’t even have the opportunity to voice her thoughts. Before she could gather her words, Adam had dashed out of the room, Kayla cradled protectively in his arms.

The private space was filled with onlookers, and as they witnessed the scene unfold, their faces morphed into a tapestry of intrigue and judgment.

“Isn’t Adam married to Renee? Why does he seem so concerned about Kayla?” one whispered, eyebrows raised in confusion.

“I thought he was head over heels for Renee. Doesn’t seem that way now,” another chimed in, skepticism dripping from their tone.

“Come on, that devoted husband act must be a facade,” a third voice sneered, disdain evident in their words.

“Exactly! Who really believes in that kind of love anymore?” someone else scoffed, shaking their head.

“Poor Renee. She’s completely out of it,” another said, pity lacing their voice.

“Kayla is Julian’s sister, right? And Julian and Adam have been friends since childhood. I guess Kayla’s like a little sister to him. Naturally, he’d be concerned,” came a voice of reason.

“Oh, that makes sense,” another replied, nodding in understanding.

The murmurs cascaded around her, each comment a sharp reminder of her current predicament. Renee felt exposed, like an animal on display at a zoo, the weight of humiliation pressing down on her. It was a feeling she had never encountered before.

With a determined effort, she reached for her phone resting on the table, intent on calling Alison for assistance.

Yet, as she pressed the power button, the screen remained dark. Her heart sank—her phone had died.

“Just perfect. What impeccable timing,” she muttered under her breath, frustration bubbling within her.

At that moment, Chris swaggered over, his suit jacket slightly rumpled, a smug grin plastered across his face that revealed a set of yellowed teeth.

“Hey, Renee! Looks like we’re both heading in the same direction. How about I give you a ride?” he offered, his smile oozing insincerity, his gaze lingering on her as if she were a feast laid before him.

Renee had encountered Chris too many times to count, and the thought of socializing with him sent a wave of revulsion through her. He was nothing more than a lecherous old man!

“No thanks, Mr. Jackson. I can manage getting home on my own,” she replied, trying to brush him off as she attempted to walk away. However, the alcohol coursing through her veins made her legs feel unsteady, like jelly, with each step becoming a monumental effort.

As the car glided away from the curb, it felt like a sanctuary, the smooth ride a welcome relief. Renee settled into the backseat, resting her head against the sumptuous leather, allowing herself a moment of respite.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I apologize for the inconvenience.”

Jasper leaned back, closing his eyes momentarily. “Yeah, it’s definitely a hassle,” he replied, his tone relaxed, yet tinged with concern.

From the front seat, Luke’s voice broke through the silence. “Ms. Whitley, where do you live?”

Renee’s mind drifted to the events of the day, particularly Adam’s actions, and a wave of disappointment washed over her.

“Platinum Heights,” she replied, her tone flat.

The thought of returning home, especially to face Adam, filled her with dread.

Luke raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his voice. “Oh? You live at Platinum Heights too? What a coincidence,” he remarked, genuinely taken aback. He couldn’t recall ever having seen her there before.

The drive to Platinum Heights would take about an hour, and as they cruised along, Renee leaned her head against the window, watching the world outside blur into a tapestry of colors. Streetlights flickered by, casting fleeting shadows within the car’s interior. The city outside was alive, neon lights illuminating the night, painting it with vibrant hues.