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Chapter 5: The Choice to Stay

Milli sat on the edge of her cot in the dimly lit shelter, staring at the crumpled card Landon had given her. His name and number were scrawled neatly across it, accompanied by the words: “When you’re ready.” The card felt heavier than it should have. It carried a choice too big for her to make.

She traced her fingers over the text, flashing back memories of his calm, steady gaze. He believed in her. But why? What could someone like her offer to someone like him?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a scuffle outside her room. Voices raised, followed by the unmistakable crash of something breaking. She peeked out to see two residents arguing, their anger spilling into the narrow hallway.

“Back off, man! That’s my stuff!”

“Like hell it is! You stole from me first!”

Milli sighed, retreating into her room. This was her life—constant chaos, never knowing if she’d wake up to peace or disaster. She had accepted it as her reality for years, believing she deserved no better. But now…

Landon’s voice echoed in her mind: “You have to want it. It has to be your choice.”

Her choice.

She shoved the card into her pocket and grabbed her jacket. It wasn’t much, but it was all she owned. The air outside was crisp and biting, a stark contrast to the suffocating warmth of the shelter. Milli hugged her jacket tighter around her and started walking.

The city buzzed around her, cars honking, and people rushing past. She felt like a ghost, unnoticed and unimportant. But this time, she wasn’t wandering. She had a destination in mind.

When she arrived at the address Landon had mentioned, she hesitated. His building loomed above her, sleek and modern, a sharp contrast to the gritty streets she was used to. She almost turned around, but a voice inside her whispered: You came this far. Don’t back down now.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed through the revolving doors. The lobby was pristine, with marble floors that gleamed under the warm lighting. Milli felt out of place, her worn sneakers squeaking against the polished surface.

A receptionist glanced up, her perfectly manicured eyebrows arching in surprise. “Can I help you?”

“I… I’m here to see Landon Harper,” Milli stammered, her voice wavering.

The receptionist looked her over, skepticism written all over her face. “Do you have an appointment?”

“No, but—”

“Miss, Mr. Harper doesn’t see anyone without an appointment,” the woman interrupted her firm tone.

Milli’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She was about to turn and leave when a familiar voice called out behind her.

“It’s okay, Claire. She’s with me.”

Milli spun around to see Landon striding toward her, his expression a mix of surprise and relief.

“Milli,” he said, his tone soft but steady. “You came.”

“I wasn’t sure if I should,” she admitted, fidgeting with the hem of her jacket.

Landon smiled, motioning for her to follow him. “I’m glad you did.”

They rode the elevator in silence, the tension between them palpable. Milli glanced at him, wondering what he saw in her that made him so determined to help.

When they reached his penthouse, she was struck by its sheer scale. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, and the decor was modern yet inviting.

“Make yourself at home,” Landon said, gesturing toward the living room.

Milli sat awkwardly on the edge of the couch, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “I don’t belong here,” she murmured, her eyes fixed on the floor.

“You belong wherever you decide you belong,” Landon replied, sitting across from her. “And if you’re here, you’re ready to take the first step.”

Milli swallowed hard, her throat tightening. “What if I fail? What if I’m not strong enough to do this?”

“Then I’ll be here to help you get back up,” Landon said.

She looked at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt or insincerity. But all she saw was honesty—and hope.

She also felt a flicker of hope. For the first time in years

“Okay,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll try.”

Cliffhanger Ending:

As Landon smiled, relief washing over him, his phone buzzed on the coffee table. He glanced at the screen and frowned. It was his mother again.

“I’ll be right back,” he said, standing and stepping into the hallway to answer.

Milli sat alone, her resolve wavering as she looked around at the life Landon lived—a life so far removed from her own. She reached into her pocket, feeling the crumpled card, and wondered if she’d made a mistake.

Just then, Landon’s raised voice drifted from the hallway.

“She’s not just anyone, Mother. You don’t understand—this is important.”

Milli froze, her heart pounding. Was he talking about her? And if so, what did that mean for both of them?

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