Chapter 1

[I miss you. Come to the apartment now]

Thabita’s phone had been vibrating for the past five minutes, but the message was still glowing on the screen.

A simple sentence that always managed to make her come without much thought. Thabita let out a breath and looked at her own reflection in the mirror. A loose dress, an unmade face, her hair tied carelessly. She knew she was never truly worthy of standing beside Billy Harvey.

But Billy’s sweet words and Billy’s warm touches had always convinced her that she was indeed worthy of being his lover.

The apartment was silent as she opened the door using the access Billy had given her a year ago, when she accepted Billy as her lover. Even though their relationship was not publicized, it was enough to make Thabita happy. That place often became their secret space—a place Billy came to when he was tired, when he needed an escape, when he wanted to have sex.

“Billy?” she called softly.

There was no answer, only the faint sound of moaning coming from the bedroom.

Thabita’s steps halted.

Her chest tightened when a woman’s voice was heard, soft and spoiled.

“You’re always like this,” the voice said with a chuckle. “You really never change.”

Thabita moved closer without realizing it. The bedroom door was not fully closed. She saw it clearly.

Billy had his back to the door, his body close to a beautiful woman with a tall and slender figure. The woman’s blonde hair cascaded beautifully, her arms wrapped around Billy’s neck possessively.

The woman let out a soft laugh, then said clearly and confidently, “I know you only love me. And you’re only using that ugly woman as an outlet.”

The sentence struck Thabita mercilessly.

Donna—that woman—slid her fingers along Billy’s neck, her smile growing wider. Billy did not respond, nor did he pull away. He simply stood there, accepting the touch.

Donna then tilted her head slightly.

Her eyes met Thabita’s.

Her smile changed, curling into a mocking grin at Thabita. As if saying, look at your position.

Thabita’s body froze. Her heart pounded too loudly, her ears rang. She wanted to scream, wanted to go in and demand an explanation, but her legs refused to move.

A year. Yes, a year she came every time Billy called. A year she lay on that bed, hearing Billy whisper his longing, holding her in the middle of the night.

And now… she knew the answer.

Thabita stepped back slowly, making sure not to make a sound. Donna was still looking at her, that smile not fading, instead growing sharper.

Once the door was closed again, Thabita ran.

She did not know how she reached the elevator, did not remember pressing the button, did not realize when the doors opened on the lower floor. As soon as she got into a taxi, her defenses collapsed.

Her sobs broke free. Tears streamed endlessly, her chest felt tight, her breathing ragged. Her hands clutched the bag on her lap, as if it were the only thing keeping her from completely falling apart.

She stared at her photo with Billy, then let out a small laugh in between her cries. Her laughter sounded miserable.

“What was I all this time?” she whispered. “Just an outlet?”

Thabita closed her eyes, letting the tears fall without restraint. That night, something inside her broke.

Billy held his breath deeply. His chest felt hot, his breathing heavy, and there was a strange sensation crawling from the back of his neck down to his abdomen. He clenched his jaw, trying to steady himself.

“What are you doing?” Billy’s voice was low, clearly restraining anger.

Donna moved closer, pretending to be startled. “Billy, I just wanted to—”

“Don’t come any closer,” Billy said firmly as he stepped back. His hands clenched tightly, his nails pressing into his own palms. “Leave. Now.”

Donna paused for a moment, then her face turned pitiful. “What’s wrong with you? I just wanted to—”

Billy leaned against the table, trying to keep himself from staggering. Cold sweat began to form at his temples. He knew something was wrong. The drink earlier. Donna showing up so suddenly. That touch.

“What did you give me?” His gaze was sharp, filled with anger.

Donna shook her head quickly. “I didn’t do anything. I just came because I missed you.”

Billy let out a short, bitter laugh. “Stop acting. Get out of my apartment.”

Donna took a step forward. “Billy, listen to me. I just want us to be like before. You don’t need that woman. She’s not worthy of you.”

Billy growled softly. “Don’t mention her.”

He tried to walk away, heading for the bathroom, but Donna stopped him.

“Let go!” he snapped.

Donna pretended to cry. “I beg you, don’t kick me out. I came back because I still love you.”

Billy slapped her hand away roughly. “Enough! Get out!”

His tone was harsh, full of pressure. Donna fell silent for a moment, then looked at him with teary eyes. But behind them, there was a flash of satisfaction that quickly disappeared.

“Fine,” Donna said softly. “If that’s what you want.”

She took her bag and walked toward the door without looking back. When the door closed, Billy exhaled harshly. His body trembled, not from cold, but from the heat driving him harder to control.

“Damn it,” he muttered.

Thabita’s image appeared in his mind. That innocent face. The way Thabita looked at him with trust. The way that woman warmed him.

“Tabitha…” his voice was hoarse.

Billy grabbed his phone with trembling hands and pressed Thabita’s number.

But the number was inactive.

He tried again.

Still the same.

“Where did you go?” he hissed in frustration.

He paced back and forth, his breathing growing heavier. Anger mixed with frustration made his head spin.

“I need you right now,” he said softly, as if Thabita could hear him. “Why can’t I reach you?”

Billy pressed the number again and again. There was no answer. He finally threw his phone onto the sofa.

“Bastard!” he shouted.

His body felt hot, his thoughts chaotic. He roughly unbuttoned his shirt, then strode quickly to the bathroom. Cold water poured as he filled the bathtub.

Billy sat inside, letting the cold water soak his body. He closed his eyes, his jaw tightening, his hands gripping the edge of the tub.

“Calm down,” he muttered to himself. “Control it.”

But what appeared instead was Thabita’s face. Her ever-patient smile. The way that woman held him without demanding anything.

“Why are you so hard to reach?” he whispered softly, mixed with annoyance and confusion.

The cold water slowly reduced the heat in his body, but not the chaos in his mind. Billy leaned his head against the wall, closing his eyes tighter.

“Thabita… I will come, and I will punish you. Don’t scream and beg for mercy, okay…” Billy smiled, his emotions already settling.