No More Waiting, She Chooses Love
Chapter 724

The situation was incredibly complex, especially since Deborah was seriously injured and was preparing to go back undercover as a mole. I couldn't bear the thought of her having to endure more. If only other victims would come forward or provide evidence, we might be able to bring down this hellish operation. "Some will, some won't. All we can do is try," Fanny paused, "You know, the girls who've gone through something like this might not have reported it at the time for a reason. Even if we find them, they might not be willing to cooperate." What Fanny said made sense. She was trying to temper my expectations.

"It's okay. We'll do what we can. It would be great if they could help us, but if not, we haven't lost anything," I replied, my initial excitement giving way to a deep-seated sorrow. Just the thought of so many girls being abused sent shivers down my spine. "Alright, I'll start looking into the patients' info as soon as I can," Fanny said, truly showing unwavering support. She was technically breaking the rules by doing this, but it seemed the eradication of evil had a higher priority in her mind.

"Fanny, be careful," I warned her. I was worried about Fanny reaching out to these girls. If word got back to Allen, she could be putting herself in danger. I wouldn't have involved her if there had been any other way.

"I know," Fanny reassured me. Our relationship had reached a point where polite formalities were unnecessary, so I went to hug her instead. She pushed me away, "Back off, I'm covered in blood."

"I don't mind," I insisted, not letting go. After a brief moment of solace with Fanny, I returned to Deborah's hospital room. Her eyes were closed, and she appeared to be asleep. But I knew better. Fanny had mentioned the anesthesia had worn off, and she was probably in immense pain.

I didn't say anything, just gently held her hand. She slowly opened her eyes to look at me.

"If it hurts, just cry," I offered, unable to take away her pain but willing to share it.

Deborah shook her head, "It doesn't hurt." Her words only made my heart ache more How could she not be in pain? It seemed a deeper hurt was overshadowing her physical wounds, dulling the sensation of pain.

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"Sis, last time came to you, I didn't tell you the whole truth. Do you want to hear it now?" Deborah asked with a smile. Seeing her swollen cheek, I knew even speaking must be painful for her, "We can wait until you're better."

"Talking distracts me from the pain," she insisted.

It was the first time I'd heard that speaking could divert one's attention from pain, so I nodded, "Okay, go ahead. I'm listening."

Deborah closed her eyes for a moment, taking a few seconds to gather her thoughts, then began, "Last time, I told you I had taken out a bunch of payday loans and such... but that's not all..."

"I also took out a 'beauty loan.' Sounds nice, right? But it's basically a body loan... you have to strip and be photographed to get the money. And when you can't pay back, you repay with your body..."

I was shocked, "You were forced into doing those things?"

"Yeah," Deborah said with a broken smile, "The first time was worth a lot."

But hadn't she been with John Hudson by then? As soon as I thought it, Deborah continued, "I finally understand why that bastard was always pulling back at the last moment when he was with me."

"He'd been planning to sell me off from the start. That's why he'd go through the whole foreplay but never the final act," Deborah said, her eyes closing again. This time, tears streamed down her cheeks.

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She cried! She hadn't cried from her physical injuries, but now the tears flowed freely. It must have been her feelings for John, that bastard, that hurt her so much. Only true emotional investment could lead to such profound sadness when betrayed.