Echoes of Deciet (Book 1)

Echoes of the Past

As AJ and Valerie left the karaoke bar, the night air was filled with a mix of exhilaration and laughter. The memory of their playful duet still lingered, and they were blissfully unaware of the approaching danger.

Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, demanding their belongings. AJ's heart raced as the memories of that fateful night when Riley had been shot and lost forever came flooding back. His worst nightmare was becoming a reality.

In a desperate attempt to protect Valerie, AJ instinctively moved to shield her, but his actions weren't enough. A gunshot rang out, and everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Valerie fell to the ground, clutching her side, a look of shock and pain in her eyes.

Time seemed to freeze as AJ knelt beside her, his hands trembling. The past and present collided, and the weight of his past trauma bore down on him. He whispered promises to Valerie, his voice filled with anguish and determination.

"I'll never let anyone hurt you again," AJ vowed, his gaze locked onto Valerie, who was fading in and out of consciousness. Sirens wailed in the distance, growing closer by the second, as AJ desperately prayed that history wouldn't repeat itself.

The echoes of the past were haunting, but AJ was determined to rewrite the future, to ensure that Valerie would be safe, no matter the cost.

Inside the ambulance, AJ's heart pounded in his chest, matching the blaring sirens. His grip on Valerie's hand remained tight as he watched the paramedics work tirelessly to stabilize her. Tears streamed down his face, and he could hardly bear to see Valerie in this condition.

"Stay with me, Valerie," AJ whispered, his voice trembling. "You're going to be okay. Just hang on." He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, willing her to hear his words and find the strength to fight.

The paramedics exchanged hurried words and gestures, their expertise evident as they did everything in their power to save Valerie. AJ felt a profound sense of helplessness, but he knew he had to be strong for her.

As the ambulance raced toward the hospital, AJ's thoughts were a whirlwind of memories and fears. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Valerie, not after everything they had been through together. She had become the love of his life, a beacon of hope and happiness.

In those desperate moments, AJ clung to Valerie's hand, his mind filled with promises of a future they had dreamed of building together. The sirens wailed on, a constant reminder of the race against time, and AJ prayed that they would reach the hospital in time to save the woman he loved.
The ambulance doors swung open, and medical staff rushed forward, ready to take over Valerie's care. AJ reluctantly released her hand, his fingers trembling as they left her grip. The transition was a blur, with doctors and nurses quickly wheeling her into the emergency room.

AJ followed closely behind, feeling a mix of panic and hope. He had to believe that they had made it in time, that the medical team could work their magic and save Valerie's life.

In the hospital waiting area, AJ's anxiety was palpable as he paced back and forth. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, each passing minute an agonizing eternity. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Valerie, not after everything they had shared.

Finally, a doctor emerged from the ER, her face serious but not devoid of hope. She approached AJ, and he braced himself for the news.

"We managed to stabilize her," the doctor began, her voice measured. "She's in surgery now. The next few hours will be critical, but we're doing everything we can."

Relief washed over AJ like a tidal wave. Tears welled up in his eyes as he nodded, his gratitude overflowing. "Thank you, doctor. Please, do whatever it takes to save her."