**Chapter 19: A Desperate Intervention**

The car finally pulled up to the rehabilitation center, a large building surrounded by lush greenery and a serene lake in the distance. Nicole turned off the engine and turned to Ashley, who was staring out the window, her eyes fixed on some unknown point. "Ashley, we're here," Nicole said, her voice soft and gentle. "It's time to get out of the car and start getting help." But Ashley didn't move. She just kept staring out the window, her expression unyielding. "Ashley, come on," Nicole coaxed, placing a gentle hand on her daughter's arm. "You need to get out of the car and go inside. They can help you." Ashley slowly turned her head, her eyes locking onto her mother's. "I'm not going," she said, her voice firm and resolute. "I'm not going in." Nicole's heart sank, but she tried to remain calm. "Ashley, you have to go in. You need help, and this is the only way you're going to get it." But Ashley just shook her head, her eyes flashing with defiance. "No, I'm not going." Just then, two men appeared at the car window, their faces kind but firm. "Ma'am, we need to get her inside," one of them said, his voice gentle but authoritative. The two men carefully opened the car door and lifted Ashley out, despite her struggles and protests. Nicole watched in tears as they carried her daughter into the rehabilitation center. As the men disappeared into the building with Ashley, Nicole felt a wave of emotion wash over her. She collapsed onto the car seat, sobbing uncontrollably. A few minutes later, a receptionist appeared at the car window, a kind smile on her face. "Hi there, I'm Karen. Can I talk to you for a minute?" Nicole composed herself, wiping away her tears. "Yes, of course." Karen nodded. "Okay, so I just need to get some information from you to book Ashley in. Can you tell me a little bit about her situation?" Nicole took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "Ashley's been struggling with addiction...and her mental health. She's been using...Axel, her boyfriend...he's been supplying her with...with stuff. And she's pregnant." Karen's expression was sympathetic. "I'm so sorry to hear that. We'll do everything we can to help her." As Karen nodded and began to fill out some paperwork, Nicole looked over at the building, searching for Ashley. She spotted her daughter standing by a window, looking lost and scared. Nicole got out of the car and walked over to the building, her heart heavy with emotion. She pushed open the door and slipped inside, her eyes locking onto Ashley's. She walked over to her daughter, opening her arms wide. "I love you, Ashley," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. Ashley looked up at her, tears streaming down her face. Nicole pulled her into a tight hug, holding her close. "I'll be back to visit you soon, okay?" Nicole whispered, her voice shaking. Ashley nodded, her face buried in her mother's shoulder. As they hugged, Nicole felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that Ashley was in good hands, and that she would get the help she needed. With one last squeeze, Nicole pulled back, looked at Ashley, and walked away, leaving her daughter in the care of the rehabilitation center.