On a rainy night, a very pregnant taxi driver stops to help a homeless, injured stranger, offering him a free ride to the hospital. But the next morning, she wakes to find a convoy of SUVs outside her house, with suited men waiting to share a truth that would change her life forever.
Cleo had been driving taxis for two years, and by now, she’d seen it all: late-night partiers stumbling home, families racing to catch flights, and remorseful businessmen smelling of cocktails and secrets. She’d heard countless stories, dried her fair share of tears, and learned to read people before they even stepped into her cab.
As she navigated the foggy streets, her back ached, and her unborn baby’s kicks pressed against her ribs—a reminder that her night shifts were becoming unbearable. But bills didn’t stop for anyone, so she whispered to her belly, “Just a few more hours, love. Then we can go home to Chester.” She imagined her orange tabby, Chester, sprawled on her pillow at home, shedding fur everywhere as her only true companion.
Her mind drifted back to the heartbreak she’d endured only five months ago. She had excitedly shared the news of her pregnancy with her husband, Mark, only to learn he’d been unfaithful with his secretary, Jessica, who was also expecting. Within weeks, Mark left and drained their bank account, leaving Cleo to work endless shifts to provide for the baby alone.
Late one night, just three weeks before her due date, Cleo’s attention was caught by a lone figure struggling along the highway’s shoulder, drenched by the rain. Even from afar, he looked injured and desperate. He staggered in tattered clothes, one arm held to his chest as he dragged himself forward. Cleo knew she should keep driving, especially at eight months pregnant, but her instincts overruled caution. Rolling down her window, she called out, “Are you okay? Need help?” The stranger, visibly shaken and bloody, pleaded, “I just need to get somewhere safe.”
Without hesitation, Cleo unlocked her doors, and he collapsed into the backseat. She quickly realized they were being followed as headlights flooded her mirror. The stranger urged her to drive faster, and Cleo’s adrenaline kicked in, navigating the winding streets with the skill of a seasoned driver. Finally, she lost the trailing car and brought her passenger to the hospital. As he thanked her, she thought little of her good deed, returning home exhausted and ready for a quiet morning.
But that morning was anything but quiet. Cleo awoke to the rumble of engines outside and peeked out her window to see a dozen sleek black SUVs lining her street. Men in suits formed a perimeter around her home, and Cleo’s heart raced, wondering if she’d unwittingly helped a criminal the night before. Opening the door cautiously, she was met by a man in an expensive suit who introduced himself as James, head of security for the Atkinson family.
“Last night, you helped their son, Archie,” he explained. The name Atkinson meant little to Cleo until she realized they were the Atkinsons—the billionaire family with a tech empire. Their son had been kidnapped three days earlier, and the ransom set at 50 million dollars. She had saved Archie on the side of the road without knowing it.
Archie explained, “They moved me last night, and I saw my chance to escape. But I wouldn’t have made it without you. I owe you everything.” His father, overcome with gratitude, handed Cleo an envelope with a check that made her knees nearly give out.
“Please, sir, this is too much,” she stammered, but Mr. Atkinson insisted, “It’s a small thank you for saving our son.” He glanced at her belly and added gently, “No child should enter this world with a mother who has to worry about providing.” Tears filled her eyes as Archie leaned forward, proposing that she lead a new community safety initiative for their family’s foundation—an effort to foster more people like her, who aren’t afraid to help.
As Cleo accepted their offer and watched the convoy leave, she felt an unfamiliar lightness, the burdens of the past few months finally lifting. She glanced down at her belly and whispered, “Did you hear that, little one? Mommy’s night job just got a big upgrade. And we did it by just being human.”
KING CHARLES’ HEALTH TAKES A TURN FOR THE WORSE: REPORTS SUGGEST AN ‘INEVITABLE END
Even though it might seem like King Charles is getting better, experts say he is still very ill, and the palace is preparing for his funeral.
The plan for dealing with the king’s passing, known as Operation Menai Bridge, is already in place. This plan is being prepared because there is a chance the 75-year-old king, who is fighting cancer, might not recover.
Read on to find out why the plans for the king’s funeral are moving quickly!
When Queen Elizabeth II became queen in 1952, preparations for Operation London Bridge began soon after. This plan covered everything that would happen after her death, including how to announce it, the period of mourning, her state funeral, and how King Charles III would become king.
Despite just becoming king in 2022 after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles III’s time on the throne has been overshadowed by his health issues. As royal experts report that he is still very sick, preparations for his funeral are moving forward. This situation is bringing urgency to the plans, known as Operation Menai Bridge, which outline the steps following the king’s death.
In January 2024, less than a year after his coronation in May 2023, King Charles underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. However, by February, the palace announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement shared on February 10, 2024, through the royal family’s social media, Charles expressed his gratitude for the support and well wishes he received, noting that such kind thoughts are a great comfort to those affected by cancer.
In his statement, King Charles also mentioned how sharing his cancer diagnosis has helped raise awareness and support for cancer organizations. He expressed deep admiration for the work of these organizations, which has grown stronger due to his personal experience with the illness.
During King Charles’s treatment for cancer, the king’s eldest son, Prince William, took on additional royal duties. He also provided emotional support to his wife, Kate, who announced her own cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
A source reveals that Prince William has taken on more responsibilities and is now involved in many of the decisions, as King Charles continues to struggle with his health.
The king has recently resumed public appearances, but he’s finding it difficult. According to the source, his appearances are shorter than usual. After each engagement, he is quickly transported by helicopter and then needs to rest.
The source also notes that, despite it being an uncomfortable topic, the plans for King Charles’s funeral are being prepared due to his worsening health.
The Daily Beast reports that there’s growing concern in the palace, with friends finding it hard to stay positive. A close friend said, “Of course, he is determined to beat it and they are doing everything they can, but he is really very unwell. More than they are letting on.”
Operation Menai Bridge, the plan for the king’s death, is being regularly updated, similar to the plan for Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. This plan ensures a smooth transition of power and includes specific codewords for all members of the royal family.
When the time comes, the late king will lie in state at the Palace of Westminster for mourning, and he will likely be buried in the royal vault at King George VI Memorial Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The palace is preparing a funeral fit for a king. “The palace may seem to suggest that Charles is improving, but he’s still very sick,” an insider told In Touch in an August 2024 interview. “Officials are making sure the funeral meets his wishes and proper protocol.”
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