Chapter 4

Chase's POV

Cecilia had laughed with effortless charm. "I'll make it official after I divorce that idiot at home."

Before the video finished playing, Cecilia suddenly shot to her feet. Her face turned ashen. She glanced at me, then frantically started fumbling with the remote control.

Then, with one wrong press, the screen switched to another video. It was footage from the night I got drunk. I was sprawled there with my clothes undone, my face flushed, while several filthy hands groped me without my consent.

My mind went blank. It felt as if something had nailed my feet to the floor. It wasn't until Cecilia grabbed a glass and hurled it at the screen, shattering the display, that I came back to myself.

She stroked my back and murmured, "It's okay. It was only a few seconds."

I coldly shrugged her hand off. There was none of the breakdown she expected to see in my eyes. "I'm leaving. You guys keep having fun."

Cecilia's face immediately darkened. At that, Lola quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Chase, we were just messing around. Don't be mad at Cece."

I shook my head, making it clear I wasn't angry. Before Lola could say more, the sound of shattering glass crashed through the room.

"Let him leave!" Cecilia snapped. "Who the hell does he think he is?"

By then, Lola's gaze had also turned contemptuous, as if agreeing that I had no right to take Cecilia's favor for granted. I looked away and headed outside.

My flight was tomorrow afternoon, and I still had a few things left to pack.

Seeing me walk away without hesitation, Cecilia flipped the table in a fit of rage. The room erupted with startled cries, followed by the chaotic crash of things being knocked over and smashed.

I couldn't care less.

…

The next morning, I went over my suitcase and made myself a simple breakfast. Just as I finished my last bite, Cecilia walked in with Harry.

Dark circles tinted her eyes. She hadn't even bothered to put on makeup, and she looked as if she hadn't slept all night.

She fixed her stare on me, like she had much to say, but ultimately handed me an envelope full of cash as she always did. "Half your allowance this month. That's your punishment for throwing a fit yesterday. I won't tolerate it again."

I ignored her and headed toward the bedroom. As I was turning to close the door, I realized Harry had followed me inside. He was holding a wig, his voice full of false guilt.

"Chase, I'm sorry about burning your hair. Let me make it up to you. Here, I bought you a wig."

He raised it toward my head, his movements forceful and strangely eager. It was obvious he was up to something. I seized his wrist at once. "Stay away from me."

A sinister laugh slipped out from Harry's lips. At last, he dropped the act. "You fucking idiot. Who the hell do you think you are?"

The next instant, he pulled a needle from inside the wig and drove it into my lower abdomen.

My face turned pale. I shoved him to the floor with all the strength I had left.

This was exactly what he had been waiting for. Immediately, he let out a long, pained wail.

When Cecilia rushed in, all she saw was Harry clutching himself in agony. Without hesitation, she shoved me aside and helped him to his feet.

Halfway down the hall, she glanced back at me. I was clutching my stomach, sweat beading across my forehead. Somehow, that only seemed to revolt her.

"How dare you still have the nerve to put on an act?" she snapped. "Just wait until I get back. I'll deal with you!"

With that, she supported Harry and walked away without another glance.

I bit my tongue, slowly pulling the silver needle from my abdomen. My legs gave out, and I collapsed to my knees. After sitting there for a while, trying to catch my breath, I forced myself back to my feet.

It was then that my phone buzzed with a notification. My rideshare was already waiting outside.

A heavy sigh escaped me. I picked up my suitcase and walked away from this very place that left me sick to my stomach.