1

Chapter 1

Ella Whitmore

MERRY CHRISTMAS, JASPER. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

My cheeks burned hot with excitement as I clutched the gift box tightly, reading the inscription on the back one more time before struggling to insert the key into the keyhole.

I had been planning this surprise for weeks. Christmas eve was finally here, and I just couldn't wait to see the look Jasper would have on his face when he realized that I actually got him the wristwatch he'd always admired.

But my legs still, the moment I stepped into the living room.

The first thing that caught my attention were the two wine glasses sitting on the center table.

My brows knitted together, confused. Jasper told me he was alone when we chatted earlier though I didn't tell him that I was coming over.

Sighs. Did he miss me so much that he went this far? Setting two empty wine glass? He must've drank alone, wishing that I was here with him.

A smile spread across my lips as I proceeded to his room upstairs, but my steps faltered the moment I stepped into the hallway.

I could swear I heard a strange sound.

I stood there quietly for at least three seconds. The sound didn't come again.

Just as I was about to proceed to his room, the sound came again. First like a muffle, and unclear where it was coming from, but as I moved closer, it became clearer.

It was the voice of a woman moaning in pleasure, and the sound was coming from Jasper's room.

Then a masculine groan followed… one that was unmistakably Jasper.

My body went numb. Knees buckling beneath me.

I stood there for a moment, scared of going close to the room, afraid that I would see what I was afraid of, but another part of me was ready to face it.

With my heart pulsing in my ears, my hands shaking, I reached for the doorknob.

“Fuck! Yeah… You're so sweet,” Jasper's voice came on as I gently twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open.

My eyes first landed on the two tall empty wine glasses on the nightstand, then to Jasper. He knelt naked on the bed, Sophia, his supposed colleague, bent before him as he rammed into her from behind.

I couldn't breathe.

My hand dropped to my side, the gift box slipped out of my grip and fell to the floor with a loud thud.

It finally drew their attention.

“Holy shit! Ella…” With one hard thrust, Jasper quickly pulled out of her, spilling his cum on her back, and the bastard dared to moan as he did that.

Sophia quickly grabbed a shirt, covering herself with shaky hands.

“Ella… it's not what you think… shit!” He said, grabbing whatever fabric he could reach, to cover himself.

I scoffed. I fucking walked in on him fucking another woman, and it's not what I think?

“I swear I'm not cheating on you…”

Without another second, I turned on my heel and dashed out of the room, the weight of everything pressing down on my chest.

I stepped into the cold snowy New York street, my legs heavy and tired, eyes blurred with tears, but I didn't stop. I needed to get away from here.

My phone buzzed against my palm.

Jasper.

I gritted angrily. What the fuck does he want?

I watched the call ring and ended.

I switched off my phone.

My three-year old relationship… gone with Christmas eve.

What a way to celebrate Christmas.

I stumbled into the lonely and dark alley. I should feel scared. It was always dangerous out there at nights especially for women, but I didn't care.

I just wanted to get far away from Jasper.

My legs finally gave in as I collapsed into a bricked wall.

My chest tightened so hard, I couldn't breathe. I whispered, nails digging into the floor underneath me.

Was I not enough? I gave him everything. I trusted him, and was already hoping for forever together, and this is what I get?

A low growl cracked through the darkness amid my cries, and my sobs stopped abruptly, something snapping inside me.

I came back to my senses.

I lifted my phone to my face, the light flashing on my eyes.

It's 12am. I wasn't supposed to be outside by this time. I went to Jasper's house with the intention of spending the night with him.

The growl came again… this time from behind me, sharp and chilling… like that of a wild animal.

A strange coldness washed over me, my stomach twisting with fear.

I stiffened, my body tensed, and the back of my hair stood… It felt like something or someone was watching me from the shadow behind me.

I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe… and didn't even dare to look back…