A heavy silence settled over the room as Ophelia could only stare at Ashley.
Ashley's words lingered in the air, but they echoed even louder in Ophelia's mind.
The Ashley she remembered was still a little girl—one who hadn't even reached her teenage years.
Hearing her speak now with such certainty, such honesty, without trying to soften the truth, stirred something deep inside Ophelia. At the same time, it forced her to accept one painful reality.
Ashley was no longer the girl she once knew.
She was no longer the child who had teetered on the edge of insanity after enduring unimaginable torment.
"Miss Ashley," Ophelia whispered. "I understand, but—"
"I'll be fine, Ophelia." Ashley raised her brows and gave her a reassuring nod. "But first… can you help me?"
Ophelia frowned.
"Miss, what are you planning? Please don't tell me you're trying to get me out of here." She shook her head firmly. "You don't have to put yourself in danger for me."
