Chapter 7 The video showed Hayes in comfortable loungewear , stirring soup with the focused attention . The camera swayed as Raina's voice drifted through : " Hayes , didn't you promise to visit Lennox's mom today ? If you're here with me , what about her ? " Hayes didn't even look up . " She'll figure it out when I don't show . Not my problem . " He added casually , " Besides , you know Lennox . Tough as nails . Nobody can hurt her - she doesn't need me babysitting . " " You're the one I worry about . Always running around when you should be resting . " The video ended , but Lennox's hands wouldn't stop trembling . Hours . She'd stood at those gates for fucking hours , waiting like a trained dog . And to him , she was just someone who'd " figure it out . " She felt like the world's biggest fool . Still holding onto hope after everything . He'd said wait , so she'd waited . Like an idiot . And he couldn't even text " not coming " text . Her heels were killing her , but she didn't stop . Step by agonizing step up the hill to her mother's grave . At her mother's headstone - that gentle smile carved in granite - Lennox finally shattered . She hit her knees as tears came in waves . Every memory with Hayes played like a cruel slideshow . First love , then dependence , ending with that final look of cold indifference as she died . She traced her mother's name with trembling fingers . " I'm leaving , Mom . " " Going far away . Never coming back . " " Are you disappointed in me ? " A soft breeze lifted her hair like a gentle touch . Lennox wiped her eyes and managed a watery smile . Mom understood . She always had . She sat there until dawn painted the sky pale pink , then forced her stiff body down the mountain . At the cemetery entrance , shadows moved . A group of men emerged from the darkness , cutting off her path . 4 " Well , well . What's a pretty thing like you doing out here alone ? " The leader's grin made her skin crawl . " Why don't you come play with us ? " Ice shot through her veins . " Move . Now . " They stepped closer instead . The leader reached for her . " Don't be a bitch about it , sweetheart . We'll treat you real nice . " Lennox jerked back , calculating odds . Five against one . No way she could fight them all . When the leader dropped his guard for half a second , she bolted . Footsteps pounded behind her , getting closer . Her heart hammered against her ribs as she fumbled for her phone with shaking hands . Emergency contact : Hayes . Two rings , then connection . 15:17 A Billion - Dollar Goodbye : Too Late for Second Chances , Mr. Ex 4.8 % Chapter 7 " Hayes ! Help me ! There are men chasing me ! " The words tumbled out in a panic . She didn't wait for an answer - a jutting rock caught her foot and sent her sprawling . Her palms scraped raw against asphalt , her ankle twisting with a sickening pop . Silence on the other end . " Hayes ! Did you hear me ? " Rustling sounds . Then a voice like poisoned honey : " Hey there , sis . " Raina . " Want to guess if Hayes is coming to save you ? " The blood drained from Lennox's face , her blood almost froze . The men were closing in , hands reaching like hungry claws … ♡ ( 0) Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!