Just as he was about to undo the last button of my shirt, I timed it perfectly and pushed him away, reaching into my bag for a sculpture I’d carved myself.
It was a simple piece–a mother and child leaning into each other. The craftsmanship was rough, but it was enough to strike a nerve in Kelvin’s heart.
Sure enough, anger replaced desire. He locked his eyes on the sculpture, his face darkening, menacing.
“When I was straightening your clothes, I noticed a broken sculpture, carefully wrapped up. I figured it must mean a lot to you, so I tried making one just like it…
་་
I hadn’t even finished before his hand clamped around my throat, squeezing hard.
“Who said you could touch my stuff?”
As the choking tightness closed in, I felt an odd sense of relief.
Guys like him–born into old money–had endless ways to deal with me.
Maybe I’d get away this time, but next time, who knew?
But what if I became the thorn in his heart instead?
That sculpture had been a birthday gift from his mother. Later, she’d clung to it when she jumped from the building.
It shattered on the pavement. She must have hurt terribly.
And he must have… hurt just as much.
I stared at him, not fighting, forcing the words out past his grip.
“I’m sorry… I couldn’t make you happy.”
His eyes flickered, and suddenly his grip loosened
Air flooded back in, and I knew the fish was about to bite.
He raised the sculpture, looking ready to smash it, but in the end, he couldn’t bring himself to do
0.00%
09.02
Chapter 4
- it.
I’d won.
288 Vouchers
Casually, I let the scars on my hands show–deep and shallow marks, all carved on purpose.
When his gaze landed on my hands, his lips trembled.
Finally, he kicked over the table, his phone crashing to the ground.
“Want to keep going?” I asked softly.
He wrapped me in his jacket, face still stormy, and picked up his phone, tapping a few times.
Another 150,000 dollars hit my account.
“This is for your trouble. I don’t owe anyone anything.”
As I left, he took the sculpture with him.
I knew his heart was in chaos.
After the SATs, I sold the jewelry and designer bags he’d given me, saving up enough for college.
Enough to disappear and start over.
He’d fallen for me, so it was time to break up.
This time. I’d hold the controller.
The next day, Kelvin invited the whole class and threw me a lavish birthday party.
His original plan had been to play my scandalous video in front of everyone–to get revenge for
Susan
The mood should’ve been cold and tense.
But today, the party was filled with my favorite Ecuadorian roses and a homemade cake from Kelvin himself.
Susan eyed the obvious effort, dragging him aside.
“Did you sleep with her?”
“No,” Kelvin said, head down
40.13%
09.02
Chapter 4
Susan’s relief was obvious, almost impatient.
“So, is the video ready? Play it for everyone! You’re killing me!”
Silence.
A heavy, suffocating silence.
Sunlight split Kelvin’s profile in two–half in light, half in shadow.
I stood nearby, swiping a bit of frosting from the cake.
Sweet enough.
Ignoring Susan’s escalating argument, I poured myself a drink and knocked it back.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Susan shove Kelvin, but it was I who collapsed.
A strange numbness shot through my stomach.
Shit. The drink was spiked.
The floor rushed up to meet me, and I crashed hard onto the icy tiles.
1288 Vouchers
“Bitch, I’ve got plenty of ways to deal with you.” Susan sneered, ordering a few guys to drag me into a room.
“Do whatever you want–just make sure you record it.”
Half–conscious, I heard Kelvin’s furious roar.
“This wasn’t the plan!”
“Plan?” Susan scoffed. “Kelvin, don’t tell me you’re actually in love with her?”
“I… I’m not.”
“Good. So let me ask you right now–between me and Natasha, who do you choose?”
72.39%
09.02
Chapter 5
:
288 iVouchers
Chapter 5
