Chapter 27

As the massive cruise ship finally docked at San Francisco's bustling pier after two long days at sea, Carmen felt an electric anticipation coursing through her veins. The air was thick with the salty scent of the ocean and the distant sound of seagulls calling out, beckoning her to explore the vibrant city that lay ahead. She couldn't wait to immerse herself in the pulsing energy of San Francisco, to taste its exotic flavors, to hear the beat of its music, and to experience the adventure that awaited her.
However, wishful thinking was far from Carmen's mind. Ever since Simon had revealed the harsh reality of his world and the cost of her curiosity, she had been consumed by worry. He had given her some time to decide what she wanted—whether to continue pushing for answers or make peace with what she already knew. But the weight of the knowledge was heavy, and Carmen found it difficult to shake off the unease that had settled in her heart.
Carmen felt like she was walking on a tightrope, unsure of which way to go. If she chose to continue pushing for answers, she risked losing her freedom and becoming a prisoner to Simon's world. But if she chose to make peace with what she knew, she would be forever haunted by the unknown, by the feeling that there was more to the story than what she had been told.