Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 1

**Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**

**Chapter 1**

As Lola Hudson meticulously inscribed her name on the confidential exit agreement, the staff seated across from her leaned in, their expressions a mix of professionalism and concern.

“Mrs. Hudson, are you absolutely certain you want to participate in this overseas peacekeeping mission?” one of them asked, his voice steady yet tinged with urgency. “Our records indicate that you have a husband and a child. Once you leave, your departure will be classified. You won’t have any means to contact your family again.”

Lola’s pen hesitated for a fleeting moment, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. Yet, with a deep breath, she completed her signature, her hand unwavering.

“I’m sure,” she replied, her voice firm, though a flicker of something painful crossed her features. “As for my family…” A bitter edge crept into her smile, transforming it into something cold and distant. “They’ll be nothing but supportive.”

The staff member nodded, acknowledging her resolve, and slid a blank plane ticket across the table. The only details visible were the time and place of departure, stark and unadorned.

“Then please ensure you arrive at the airport on time. We wish you all the best in your mission.”

As Lola exited the office building, the rain continued to pour relentlessly. She opened her umbrella, its fabric a shield against the downpour, and climbed into the car, feeling the dampness seep through her clothes, clinging to her skin.

“In weather like this, heading out is pure misery,” the driver muttered, his voice laced with annoyance.

Lola offered a small nod in agreement, her gaze drifting to the gray curtain of rain that obscured the world outside. Memories flooded her mind, pulling her back to just a few days prior when she had battled through an even fiercer storm, fever gripping her body, all to deliver stomach medicine to her husband, Charlie Hudson.

That day, she had clutched a container of clam chowder and the medicine tightly against her chest, doing everything in her power to shield them from the rain. But upon her arrival, she had unwittingly become the target of a cruel joke.

Laughter erupted around the room, harsh and mocking. Someone had sheepishly admitted to losing a bet, never believing that anyone could be foolish enough to venture out in such dreadful weather for a mere delivery. In that moment, the realization struck her like a slap to the face: she was merely a pawn in their drunken amusement, her cheeks burning with humiliation.

Desperation clawed at her as she sought Charlie’s gaze, but he was oblivious to her plight. His eyes were fixated on the woman beside him, Rose Pearson, who appeared far too comfortable in his presence.

Lola had seen Rose before—her image graced Charlie’s desk, her face illuminated on his phone’s screensaver, and framed in photographs that adorned his office. Yet, she had never imagined their first encounter would unfold in such a painful manner. Rose sat leisurely beside Charlie, his jacket draped over her shoulders, while Lola stood there, drenched and exposed, water cascading from her hair.

With a saccharine smile, Rose extended a handful of tissues toward her. “Is this your maid? Braving such heavy rain to make a delivery? Charlie, you’d better remember to give her a raise when you get home.”

Lola’s mind went blank, stunned by the condescension, but her body reacted instinctively. In a swift motion, she knocked the tissues from Rose’s hand.

The sound was soft, a mere whisper of paper, yet it resonated throughout the private room, silencing the laughter and conversation in an instant.

The next moment was a blur; a powerful shove sent her sprawling to the floor. Her head collided with the sharp edge of a glass coffee table, and everything faded to black.

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