Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 21

**Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 21**

Three years had slipped by like sand through fingers, and now, Lola found herself seated on a plane, the hum of the engines a comforting backdrop as she peered out the window. Below her, the vast expanse of the world shrank into a patchwork of colors and shapes, a reminder of how far she had traveled—both physically and emotionally. So much had happened, so much to ponder.

Initially, her departure had been a desperate bid for freedom, a frantic escape from the suffocating shadows of Charlie and Edwin. She had yearned for a sanctuary, a space where the echoes of their heartbreak could not reach her. It was a flight not just from a place, but from pain itself.

Yet, as the years unfolded, filled with rich experiences, near brushes with death, and moments of unexpected triumph, the sharp edges of her sorrow had dulled, transforming into a mere whisper of what it once was. It felt almost like a distant memory, fading into the background of her life.

Her gaze fell to the rough crystal necklace that rested against her chest, its facets catching the light in a way that made it shimmer softly. This necklace had been a heartfelt gift from an elderly woman she had helped with medicine during her travels. Though it held little monetary value, to Lola, it was a treasure, imbued with warmth, gratitude, and the sweet memory of having made a difference.

Within her travel pack, she carried many such tokens—small mementos that served as reminders of the lives she had touched along the way. A gentle smile crept onto her lips as she reflected on her journey, feeling a deep-seated conviction that leaving had indeed been the right decision.

Her life had transformed in ways she had never imagined. She was no longer just a wife or a mother confined to the four walls of a kitchen. Instead, she had discovered that her existence could be vast, meaningful, and filled with strength.

However, as her thoughts drifted back to Charlie and Edwin, the smile faded from her face, replaced by a shadow of doubt. Time had passed, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that Rose had already stepped into her shoes, claiming the title of the “legitimate” Mrs. Hudson. Edwin, her precious son, had likely grown accustomed to this new reality, this new “mom.”

Charlie was no longer a concern, but Edwin was different; he was her flesh and blood. The weight of responsibility still clung to her heart. Would Rose’s influence taint him? Would he become arrogant, careless, indifferent to the world around him? Just the thought of it sent a dull ache through her head, a reminder of the worries that had been her constant companions.

The plane began to taxi down the runway, and soon it was airborne, slicing through the clouds. She took a deep breath, releasing the worries that threatened to consume her. Soon enough, she would see for herself. If Edwin was happy and healthy, perhaps she could finally find peace within herself. And she would ensure that she wouldn’t intrude upon their lives as an unwelcome specter.

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