005: A Trap

“I’ve never seen this person before.” Elodie smiled bitterly as Williams' words replayed over and over in her head.

"You deserved that and more, Elodie," she told herself.

As she made her way home, she recalled the events of the past and sighed.

Life had become much harder since then. Now, she scraped by, living paycheck to paycheck, her once grand aspirations replaced by the desperate need to survive.

"None of this compares to the pain I caused Williams," she told herself. "It's a good thing he's found someone who makes him happy."

When she finally reached her tiny apartment, she collapsed onto the sagging bed, staring at the cracked ceiling. Memories came rushing back...the laughter she and Williams had shared, and his earnest dreams. Now, someone else had restored what she had broken.

By morning, her body ached from exhaustion, but she forced herself to get ready. Today was critical. If she didn’t get paid for her shift at the bar, she wouldn’t have enough to complete her rent. The thought of being homeless loomed over her like a storm cloud.

She got ready quickly, tying her hair back before stepping out into the cold morning air.

By the time she reached the bar, the place was already buzzing with noise. The smell of alcohol and fried food clung to the air, mingling with cigarette smoke. The sharp clang of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter filled the space.

“Elodie! Table three’s waiting! Move!” her boss barked.

She snapped out of her daze and tied her apron around her waist.

“Yes, sir.”

She threw herself into work, her body moving on autopilot. Pouring drinks, clearing tables, dodging rowdy customers. Hours passed in a blur.

Then the door swung open, and a gust of cold air swept in.

A group of men walked in, their presence commanding attention. Their tailored suits and confident laughter set them apart from the usual crowd.

At the center of them stood Williams.

Elodie’s fingers tightened around the tray in her hands once she saw Williams. Her eyes stayed on him, her heart twisting painfully as more memories tried to claw their way into the surface but finally, she ignored everything. She turned away quickly and focused on her work. He wasn’t there for her.

She reached for a glass when a hand clamped around her wrist.

She stiffened.

It wasn’t Williams.

It was Sam.

Her boss’s younger brother.

Elodie swallowed back the disgust curling in her throat. Sam had always made her uncomfortable...the way he lingered too close, the way his eyes roamed over her body.

His grip was firm, his fingers pressing too hard against her skin.

“I need to talk to you,” he said, his voice humble.

His tone caught her off guard. Sam was usually smug and arrogant.

He let go of her hand. “I’ve been a jerk,” he muttered. “I shouldn’t have treated you that way. I know I crossed lines. I’m sorry.”

Elodie’s brow furrowed. She hadn’t expected this. “Okay.”

“Please, forgive me.” His eyes, usually sharp with mischief, seemed earnest. “I promise, I won’t bother you again.”

“Alright.” She forced a small smile. “Apology accepted.”

Sam’s shoulders relaxed. He grabbed a glass of wine from the counter and pushed it toward her. “A peace offering. Just a sip. To show there are no hard feelings.”

Elodie hesitated. “I’m working, Sam.”

“Just a sip. It’ll mean a lot.”

She sighed, the quicker she appeased him, the quicker she could get back to work. She took the glass and downed its contents. The burn in her throat was sharper than expected, but she didn’t comment.

“Thanks,” Sam said, his lips curling into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “That wasn’t so hard, right?”

Elodie nodded and turned to leave.

A sudden groan made her stop. She looked back. Sam clutched his stomach, his face twisted in pain.

“Sam, are you okay?”

He shook his head, his voice strained. “I think it’s the food. Can you help me to VIP room fifteen? I need to lie down.”

Elodie hesitated. “Should I call your brother?”

“No, no. Just help me up there.”

Reluctantly, Elodie slipped an arm under his and guided him through the dim hallway. The quiet seemed to press in around them as they approached the door. She reached into his pocket for the key card as instructed, unlocking the door.

The moment the door opened, Sam’s demeanor shifted. His grip tightened around her wrist, pulling her inside.

“Elodie,” he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Fear gripped her. She yanked her hand away, but he was faster. His body pressed against hers, his hand fisting her dress, tearing fabric.

“No!” She screamed, her voice bouncing off the walls. She slapped him hard, the sound a sharp crack in the air.

Sam’s expression darkened. His hand came back, pinning her down, but Elodie fought back. She bit his hand, kicked at his shins, but her strength was waning. Whatever had been in that drink was pulling her under, dragging her down into a foggy weakness.

She screamed again, hoarse and desperate, her fingers clinging to the door frame. Sam’s hand closed over hers, prying her away.

Just as the door was about to close, it slammed open with a force that shook the room.

Williams.

He stood in the doorway, his silhouette sharp against the dim light of the hallway. His eyes settled on Elodie—her torn blouse, her trembling hands, the fear etched into every line of her face.

His expression remained calm, but his eyes turned cold, a dangerous kind of cold.

Sam flinched, his body stiffening at the sudden interference. He turned, anger flickering into confusion.

“Who the hell...”

Williams didn’t speak. His presence alone was enough. His dark gaze moved over Sam, then shifted back to Elodie.

Sam hesitated. He licked his lips, trying to regain control. “Do you know her?”

Williams didn’t reply. He moved forward slowly, each step deliberate. Elodie’s knees buckled, and she slid to the floor behind him, her breaths coming in quick gasps.

"Is...is she someone you know?" Sam repeated.

Williams turned and looked at Elodie.

“No,” he said flatly.

Sam smirked. “Then this isn’t your concern.”

He tried to reach for Elodie.

However, Williams took another step forward, cutting off his path.

“I don’t know her,” Williams said, his voice calm. “But I enjoy meddling in other people’s business.”

Sam gritted his teeth. He was about to argue when footsteps rushed toward them.

Sam’s assistant appeared, whispering urgently into his ear. The fear in Sam’s eyes grew, his bravado crumbling. “I... uh... this isn’t what it looks like.”

“I... I didn’t mean anything bad,” he stammered. “It was just a misunderstanding.”

Williams remained silent.

Sam licked his lips, his gaze darting to the door. “No hard feelings, right?”

Nothing.

With a final, strangled sound, Sam turned and bolted from the room, his assistant scrambling after him.

The silence that followed was heavy, only broken by Elodie’s uneven breaths.

Williams crouched beside her, his movements careful. “Elodie.”

Her eyes, glazed and distant, found his. He extended his hand, and without thinking, she took it. His warmth steadied her, pulled her back from the edge.

He didn’t say anything else. Instead, he helped her to her feet, guiding her through the quiet halls. They reached the staircase when she finally found her voice.

“Thank you,” she whispered, pulling her hand from his. “I won’t trouble you any further.”

Williams didn’t move. His gaze swept over her, taking in the torn fabric, the disheveled hair. His jaw tightened.

“Come with me,” he said softly. “My VIP room is nearby. You can clean up there.” With these words, he began to walk away.