Five

“What did you just say?” Sam snapped at Kate, yanking her arm when she tried to walk away.

A shiver of fear ran through her at the way he glared at her, his jaw tight with rage, his grip bruising against her skin. But instead of showing weakness, Kate lifted her chin and met his eyes head-on.

“I said I’m done. I don’t want this anymore, Sam. I’m tired, and I’m not going to let you control me,” she answered firmly. She knew that if she showed fear, he’d only tighten his hold on her.

“And who are you to decide that?” he growled. “You’re mine, Kate. No other man gets to have you—only me. Got it?” His eyes burned with a dangerous mix of anger and possession.

Kate tried to twist free, but his grip was too strong for her slender arms.

“Let go, Sam! You’re hurting me!” she cried out, struggling harder until he shoved her away. The force sent her stumbling to the floor.

Pain shot up her side as she hit the ground. She glared up at him, but Sam only crouched down, fisting her hair and pulling her face close.

“You can say whatever you want, but you’ll never escape me, Kate. You’ll always come back to me. Who else would want you after I’ve had you? Who’s going to take you seriously once they know how filthy you are?” His mocking grin twisted his mouth, cruel and smug.

“I don’t care!” Kate spat, shoving him with everything she had before bolting for the door.

She fought back tears as she ran down the street, desperate to put as much distance between herself and Sam’s house as possible. Her chest felt tight, like she couldn’t breathe until she was far away from him.

She’d met Sam through Sebastian, Claire’s husband. Since she and Claire were inseparable, she’d gotten close to Sam too. But what started as a secret fling quickly turned into something darker. Sam’s demands—especially in bed—grew stranger, more controlling.

At first, Kate thought it was exciting. But slowly, guilt began to eat her alive. She felt dirty. Unwanted. And now she finally had the courage to end it. She couldn’t let him keep dragging her down.

By the time she got home, she ripped off her clothes and stepped straight into the shower. The water poured over her face as if it could wash away everything Sam had left clinging to her. Every time she was with him, she felt like she was shrinking inside. Her mental health was breaking, piece by piece. If she didn’t stop this now, she was afraid she’d lose herself completely.

“This ends here,” she whispered to herself, tilting her head back under the stream. “Little by little, I’ll take myself back. I’ll start over.”

It wasn’t going to be easy—she knew that—but she had to try.

When she finally stepped out of the shower, Kate grabbed her phone and dialed Niu’s number. She just needed to hear his voice.

For the past two weeks, Niu had been her safe place. What she liked about him was that he wasn’t just a passionate lover—he was also a friend. He gave her comfort in ways no one else ever had. He listened. He cared. And she’d admit it—she wanted him, even if he was already married.

“Missed me already?” Niu answered, his teasing tone making her heart ache with relief.

Kate bit her lip. Just hearing him made her feel lighter.

“I talked to him,” she confessed quietly.

“And? Did he hurt you? Did that bastard lay a hand on you?” His voice sharpened with protectiveness, making her pulse race.

That was one of the things she adored about Niu—his genuine care. He never made her feel used or worthless.

“No. He didn’t hurt me. I told him it’s over… but he didn’t take it well.”

She heard a string of curses through the line. Typical Niu. He always lost his temper whenever Sam came up.

“Don’t worry,” Kate said softly. “Even if he doesn’t want to let go, it doesn’t matter. I’ve already decided. I’m done with him.”

She meant it. Sam could rage all he wanted, but she wouldn’t go back. Their relationship had no future—only damage.

“Where are you right now? I’m coming over,” Niu said suddenly.

Her heart jumped. Was he serious?

“Are you kidding? Don’t you have work? And what if your wife notices you’re gone?” Kate’s lips trembled as she spoke. She hated admitting it, but she couldn’t help the sting of jealousy. Selene Arnaiz was one lucky woman.

She didn’t have the right to feel jealous—she knew that. But after everything she’d been through, Niu was the only man who treated her like she mattered.

“What’s this? Are you jealous?” he teased, his voice warm.

“No! I’m just… worried she’ll catch on. Selene’s tough, and honestly, she terrifies me.”

Niu chuckled, and even his laugh made her heart melt.

“Don’t worry about her. I’ll be there in thirty. Don’t cook—I’ll eat dinner with you. Maybe I’ll even spend the night. How’s that sound?”

Butterflies erupted in her stomach. He sounded so casual, so sweet. Niu was naturally gentle and kind, except for when he turned fiery in bed.

“That sounds perfect. Movie marathon?” she asked, unable to hide the excitement in her voice. Side chick or not, tonight he was choosing to be with her. Most nights, he slept at her place anyway—it almost felt like he belonged here.

“Yeah, that sounds great. And maybe a marathon in bed afterward,” he added with a smirk in his tone.

Kate bit her lip again, her heart fluttering wildly.