Chapter 4

JACQUELINE.

“No, no. Liam, I’m begging you—please don’t do this to me,” I cried, my voice trembling as hot tears streamed down my cheeks as I shifted on the bed towards the wall.

But he didn’t stop.

Liam began unbuttoning his shirt, his expression scary and horrible, eyes bloodshot like he was possessed by something dark and unrecognizable. This wasn’t the Liam I knew—this wasn’t my sweet, goofy best friend. This was a monster.

“I know you want this too. You’re just pretending,” he growled, his voice low and unhinged. I looked at the door and swallowed hard, there was no way out for me, he made sure to lock everywhere. I could try screaming but I doubt my tiny voice would make it out of our two bedroom apartment, but I screamed regardless.

“Liam, please. This isn’t right. You’re supposed to be my best friend,” I pleaded, my hands trembling as I clutched my dress.

“We can still be friends. Friends with benefits,” he sneered, stepping closer.

“You can’t tell me you weren’t expecting this too. You want me, I can see it.”

“This is not a new thing, friends do it all the time. Stop making it a big deal.”

He reached for my shoulder, tugging the strap of my dress down. I yanked it back up, clutching my arms tightly around myself, shaking my head in desperation.

“You’ve been seducing me—don’t act like you haven’t. Let’s get this over with quickly, your mom will be back soon!” he licked his lips disgustingly, roughly grabbing for the zipper at my back.

He—

“No! Liam, no!” I screamed, jolting upright with a gasp.

My chest heaved as I clutched the neckline of my dress tightly, fingers trembling, struggling to breathe. My vision blurred with tears, more tears burning at the back of my throat as the memories from that night came rushing back.

Eight years.

It’s been eight goddamn years, and I still wake up like this—shaking, breathless, broken and scarred.

No matter how tightly I close my eyes, the past always finds its way back in. I keep trying to forget, to move on, if not for anything but for my daughter, my innocent baby who was unfortunately the product of that horrible experience. But it’s like I’m trapped in that moment—forever frozen in fear and betrayal.

And Peter… Peter only made it worse. He was supposed to be different. I was supposed to be safe with him. He was supposed to help me heal. But instead, he carved deeper wounds on the exact same spot where the old ones never healed.

He told me to my face that he only used me for sex, my hands balled into a tight fist, I feel like a worthless and dirty rag cloth anybody can use and discard.

Everyone I’ve ever trusted has torn me apart. Piece by piece. I don’t think I know how to be normal anymore. I don’t think I can love… or let anyone love me.

I’ve reached my limit. There’s nothing left. I just want to be a mother to my daughter that’s all.

I placed a shaky hand over my chest, calming myself as my breathing slowly steadied. My eyes drifted toward Jessica’s sleeping form beside me—so still, so peaceful.

Color had returned to her face. Regardless of what her father did to me, I cherish her more than my own life, and I’d do anything to make sure that she doesn’t turn out the way that I did. Ever.

JONATHAN

“Sir, I just received a message from your parents. They’ll be arriving tomorrow evening,” Peace, my secretary, announced as she stepped into my office.

I set my Montblanc pen down slowly and leaned back in my leather chair, slowly meeting her gaze.

“Is everything in place at the Mansion? Moved my things back? New stuff for her?” I asked, She gave a small nod, accompanied by a slight bow.

“Yes, sir. The staff has also been briefed and the space is prepped to your standards.”

“Good,” I murmured. She hesitated for a moment before continuing,

“Also, the hospital called. The doctor said the girl isn’t stable enough to be discharged yet. They need to keep her under observation a little longer. I’ve already started interviewing nannies—we should have a suitable nanny by the end of the day.”

I gave a slow nod of approval, my fingers tapping the armrest.

“Tomorrow, take Jackie to Evelyn’s. I want her cleaned up and properly dressed before my parents arrive. She doesn’t look good at all, do everything to make her look befitting,”

“Understood,” she replied with another bow, just then the office door opened and Trent strolled in.

“That’s all for now, Peace. You may go.”

She offered a final nod and exited without another word.

Trent dropped into the seat across from me, a smirk playing on his lips.

“So… did she accept help from you?” he asked slightly leaning forward.

I gave a humorless chuckle, my lips twisting into a dry smile.

“What do you think?” I responded shortly.

He nodded knowingly, then stilled. His expression shifted, suddenly serious.

“Are you going to tell her?” He asked. I met his gaze, cool and unbothered.

“The past is the past, Trent. She doesn’t need to remember.”

“Well it’s not exactly something she can actually forget!” He responded sharply, lowering his voice to a whisper.

I leaned forward slightly, my voice low and certain.

“Don’t worry, I’m top of the whole situation”