Nathan - on the morning of Friday, the 7th It’s been over a week, and Lola’s still not back home or returning my calls. Daniel says it’s over, but I won’t accept that. I won’t just give up on my girl; she needs a break. Lola is reading my texts which shows me she’s still interested. But she doesn’t reply, aggravating me, and will pay for it later. I’ll make sure of it. We’ve been on a new job for the past few days. It helps to keep my body occupied physically, but my mind is still on her and not this grind. I’m at work for only a few hours when a new foreman relieves me. Saying I need to head to the home office for a meeting. Strange, but I go after a quick beer break with Daniel. I drink another on my way to the office. I parked outside the building, and one of the empty bottles fell to the ground. I throw it back into the truck and slam the door before entering. Several men from crews I worked with before are lounging around as I enter the room—a few look as if they are waiting

Lola - on the afternoon of Friday the 7th “Wake up, my sweet Lola,” Justine’s voice breaks through my sleepy haze. My eyes flutter open to the softest kisses from Justine. She just finished her international calls and insists we watch the sunrise. I’ve never done that before and have no plans to say no. The vibrant orange and pink colors in the sky make for a delightful view along with the sea of buildings. Damien even has breakfast ready, handing me a mug of hot chocolate with a kiss. We ate fresh biscuits with sausage gravy on the second-floor balcony overlooking downtown. It’s spectacular, being forty stories up. The breathtaking view, with the added cuddling, is sublime for planning the rest of the day. “Lola, do you want to lay back down?” Damien asks me after I yawn. “No, not yet,” I say, cuddling him closer. His kiss on my temple helps to remind me of the gifts I got them. Butterflies bloom in my stomach, getting so excited to share my surprise. I bound up and scurried in

Lola - on the Late Evening of Friday the 7th “Where the fuck have you been, Lola?” Nathan stutters reeking of booze. I’m stunned. I didn’t think I would see him so soon. I haven’t missed his treatment or possessive behavior as he swings me around to face him. “That’s none of your fucking business, Nathan. We broke up, remember!” I move out of Nathan’s hold, under his arm like I was taught. But I was stupid and went in the wrong direction. Now I’m trapped between him and the stalls. I stare at Nathan, terrified of what he will do next. His nostrils are flaring, and the other fist flexes open and closed. “I’m talking to you,” Nathan’s hand comes up, blocking my path. “Leave me alone,” I demand, trying to push past him. “I don’t fucking think so, Lola,” Nathan snaps, He pushes me up against the nearest wall with a hard thud. My vision flashes, and there’s a ringing in my ears as he smacks me. I’m now pinned between him and the cold concrete, frozen stiff with fear as blood rushes

Damien - On the late evening of Friday, the 7th I stay quiet, staring at my knuckles most of the drive. They’re sore and bloody, but I don’t care, clenching the wheel tighter. Every time I glance back at Lola, I can’t help but feel like a failure. Justine holds no malice, but she also hasn’t looked at me. I know she’s more concerned for Lola, but I feel her guilt and shame from here. I let my guard down. I should have taken her to Thackery’s office or returned to VIP. But because we were downstairs already, I went to the closest restroom. I never once thought he would be there, but I should have; I’m fucking slipping. At Gio’s, it takes everything I have not to break when holding Lola again. Her broken voice is thanking me, but those darkened eyes mean I’m a letdown. I’m unworthy of her sweet kiss and swallow back my sobs. Leaving her with Gio, I parted from them quickly. Seeing Markum in the parlor, he hands me a drink, and I down it all. I take the decanter and fill the glass ag

Lola - Monday the 10th The pain radiates in my body, pulsing to the memories flooding my slumber. I’m stuck in an endless loop reliving the moment Nathan choked me to an inch of my life. I can’t fight, powerless to move or shake my attacker off me. I wake up panicked and feeling claustrophobic. There’s a weird mask blasting me with cold air, and I rip it off. Through bleary eyes, I see fire-red hair and calm down. “Lola, please relax,” Justine is here, and I know I’m safe. She helps me go to the bathroom and drink some water. When done, I put the mask back on, and she asked me to breathe. I do as told, deeply inhaling and falling back to sleep repeatedly. What feels like hours of the same tortuous agony plagued by a face I no longer want to see. Unable to rest any longer, I wake again in a huff. I’m unsure where I am as the room comes into focus, and then I remember we’re at Gio’s spa. I look to Justine, who is rubbing her eyes. “How long have I been asleep?” I ask weakly, takin