Chapter 5

"Do you think playing the victim will make me stop? Don't be naive. If it's not on you, then tell me where you hid it," Cassandra demanded.

At that moment, Xavier handed her his phone and sighed. "Cassie, I noticed Harvey's been chatting with another woman. I didn't want to interfere in your private matters, but I'm worried he might have handed the files to her."

Cassandra scrolled through the screen, her face growing darker with every second. She shoved the phone toward me. On the screen was a screenshot.

"'Good night, Babe. Sweet dreams.' Harvey, have I given you so much rest time that you still have energy to flirt?"

The screenshots were fake.

I wanted to explain, but my body wouldn't cooperate. I forced the words out through clenched teeth. "I didn't do any of that."

Xavier raised his voice. "Harvey, the evidence is right here. Stop denying it."

He then turned to Cassandra. "Cassie, don't worry. Men make mistakes all the time. My friend runs a training center that specializes in correcting disobedient men.

"Sheila's husband used to mess around constantly. After spending seven days there, he couldn't even stand the sight of another woman."

Cassandra was displeased. "Don't compare my husband to trash like them. He wouldn't betray me. He was just misled and had a rebellious bout."

Xavier nodded eagerly. "You're right, Cassie. I misspoke. But don't worry. Leave him with me for seven days, and you'll have your obedient Harvey back."

Cassandra hesitated only briefly before agreeing, "No corporal punishment. Don't starve him either. He's my elite husband. If you turn him into a sick wreck, I won't let you off."

He reassured her, "Relax. We're a legitimate institution. We educate. We don't punish."

I wanted to resist, but I was completely drained of my strength.

As my eyes closed, the last thing I saw was Cassandra's back as she walked away without looking back.

…

When I woke up again, I was in a basement.

Xavier grabbed my hair and forced a spoonful of writhing insects into my mouth, clamping a hand over my mouth, so I had no choice but to swallow.

"I had people catch these straight from a latrine. They're packed with protein. I wouldn't even eat them myself. I'm treating you so well, and you won't even thank me?"

The insects squirmed against my tongue, bitter and rancid, making my stomach churn.

I looked at him coldly and rolled my eyes.

Xavier flew into a rage. "How dare you glare at me? Fine. Turn on the shock. There isn't anyone I can't train!"

The switch came down. Electricity surged through my body, and my scream tore out of me.

For seven days straight, I drifted in and out of consciousness under the current. Even when my body gave out, even when my lips were bitten raw, I never gave in.

"Harvey, don't be afraid. Seven days will be over soon. Cassandra will come save you."

"Once Xavier's true colors are exposed, Cassandra will avenge you. Hang in there!"

When I still refused to break, Xavier ignored everyone's protests and turned the machine all the way up.

Foam spilled from my mouth, and the pain faded into numbness.

In my haze, I saw Cassandra from our high school days. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, her expression distant and proud.

"Harvey York, you'd better think twice if you want to confess to me," she said. "After all, my partner has to be better than me."

If I could start over, would I still choose her?

I tried to open my eyes and think it through, but I was too tired.

I just wanted to sleep.

The lines of text scattered and vanished as my world went quiet.