FAZER LOGINSophieI’m still shaken by what happened with Thomas, and a part of me refuses to believe that he actually went that far. I already knew he was capable of making me uncomfortable and crossing boundaries because he had tried to assault me before, but what he did this time was different. It was much bolder, much more frightening, and it made me realize that my situation is more dangerous than I wanted to admit. Grayson might be right. Until I have enough evidence to expose Thomas and make sure no one can dismiss what I say, I could be putting myself at risk every time I am alone with him.Mom would be devastated if she discovered what Thomas has been doing to me. To her, he is a perfect husband and a loving stepfather, but I’ve seen the monster behind that mask. I’ve seen his rage, his obsession, and the disturbing way he looks at me when we’re alone.I don’t blame Mom for choosing a man like Thomas. How could she have known? How could she ever have imagined what he was hiding behind
GraysonAfter the confrontation, Sophie retreats to her room while I step outside the house, needing a few moments alone to clear my head and breathe in some fresh air.I rake a hand through my hair, struggling to understand why Sophie lied. Why doesn’t she want the truth to come out yet? Why is she still protecting Thomas after everything he has done? And why does she believe Jake doesn’t deserve to know what is really happening?Thomas is one evil bastard, and he keeps finding ways to harass Sophie. What happens if I’m not around the next time he corners her? What if things go too far before I can get there? The thought alone makes my blood run cold.I can’t be there every second of the day, and Sophie shouldn’t have to depend on me just to feel safe in her own home. Someone else needs to know what Thomas is doing.But who can I tell the truth to when Sophie herself refuses to let me say anything?Then an idea suddenly crosses my mind. I could call Melissa and tell her everything th
Grayson No, police…” Sophie cries, shaking her head. “Please, Grayson. Not yet. I don’t want Jake to find out like this. Please.”She needs me to be calm right now, not another man losing control. I crouch beside the bed, keeping a careful distance so I don’t frighten her further.“Hey, Sunshine. Look at me.”Her tear-filled eyes slowly lift toward mine. “It’s over,” I tell her quietly. “He isn’t going to touch you again.”She grips the blanket tighter around herself, her breathing uneven as she tries to steady it.I glance toward Thomas, who is still standing near the wall, and the anger I’ve been trying to bury immediately rises again.But there is no way in hell I’m letting this monster stay anywhere near her anymore.Clenching my fist, I grab Thomas by the collar and drag him out of Sophie’s room. He stumbles after me, trying to pull himself free, but I don’t let go until we’re out in the hallway.I shove him against the wall, keeping my voice low so Sophie doesn’t have to hear a
SophieGrayson doesn’t answer any of my calls. Of course, he probably thinks I’m disturbing his precious time. I can’t help the irritation that rises in me as I stare at my phone, wondering why he can’t spare a few seconds to answer.The argument between Jake and Thomas is finally coming to an end when Jake speaks up. “Look, Thomas. You’re drunk now. Let’s talk about this tomorrow when we’re both calm and sober.”Hearing this, Thomas falls silent for a moment before exchanging a long look between Jake and me.I nod, trying to handle the situation calmly. “Yes, Jake’s right. We should end this discussion now.”A moment passes before Thomas finally nods. He turns and walks away, leaving Jake and me alone.The moment Thomas leaves, Jake turns to me, the anger still evident on his face. “What the hell is wrong with him?”I grip the fabric of my hoodie, biting my tongue to keep the truth from slipping out. I don’t want to burden him with everything that’s going on, especially when Mom isn
Sophie“I am going to check up on Jake…” I quietly say before quickly leaving, my steps becoming faster with every second.I don’t look back.By the time I reach the stairs, I can barely hear anything except my own heartbeat. I force myself to slow down before Jake notices something is wrong, but the moment I reach his room, I push the door open.He looks at me and pulls his headphones down around his neck. “Sophie, what’s wrong?”I take a moment to steady my breathing, forcing my expression into something that hopefully looks normal.“Nothing. I just wanted to check if you’re okay.”His eyebrows pull together as he studies me. “But you look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”I force out a small laugh and shake my head. “Oh, no. I’m fine.”Jake doesn’t look convinced. He knows me too well, and the way his eyes remain fixed on my face tells me he isn’t going to let this go easily.Before I can tell him about Thomas, we both hear a loud crack coming from the kitchen.The sound is s
SophieWeekend mornings at the Anderson house are usually quieter than weekdays, but today the dining room feels strangely alive.The smell of pancakes and coffee fills the room as I sit across from Jake, who is propped up in his wheelchair with one leg stretched carefully beneath the table. He looks exhausted, dark circles shadowing his eyes, but at least he is out of the basement for breakfast. After spending so much time downstairs recovering, even having him at the table feels like a small victory.Grayson sits beside him, scrolling through something on his phone while occasionally stealing pieces of bacon from Jake’s plate.“Seriously?” Jake complains, reaching for the plate. “Get your own.”“I am getting my own.”“You’ve taken half of mine.”Grayson finally looks up, completely unbothered. “Then consider it team tax.”“You’re not even on the team right now.”“That sounds like jealousy talking.”Jake rolls his eyes, but the corner of his mouth lifts.I can’t help smiling at them







