Lahat ng Kabanata ng OBSESSED WITH MY HUSBAND’s FRIEND: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

The gallery is everything I used to dream about—raw concrete walls, dramatic lighting, and art that pulses with life and passion."This is incredible," I breathe, standing before a massive canvas covered in bold strokes of gold and crimson."The artist is twenty-four," Derek says, reading from the placard. "Fresh out of art school, working three jobs to afford paint."I can feel the hunger in the brushstrokes, the desperation to create something beautiful despite impossible circumstances. It reminds me of myself at that age—before I learned that dreams were luxuries I couldn't afford."You're crying," Derek observes gently.I touch my cheek and find it damp. "I'd forgotten what it felt like to see art that matters. Everything Alexander collects is... safe. Expensive. Prestigious.""But not alive.""No. Not alive."Derek's hand finds mine as we move through the gallery. His touch is becoming familiar, natural, like we've been holding hands for years instead of hours."There's something

The wine Derek opened tasted good.I shouldn't be drinking. Alexander disapproves of me having more than one glass—says it makes me unpredictable. But Alexander isn't here, and unpredictable sounds exactly like what I want to be tonight."Tell me about the worst thing you ever did," Derek says, refilling my glass.We're still on the living room floor, surrounded by empty takeout containers and the ruins of our fortune cookies. The candles have burned lower, casting shifting shadows across his face."The worst thing?" I laugh, surprised by how rusty the sound is. "God, I can't even remember the last time I did anything remotely bad.""That's the problem."His words hit like cold water. Because he's right—when did I become someone who never takes risks, never pushes boundaries, never does anything that might disappoint or anger or surprise?"What about you?" I counter. "What's the worst thing Derek Matthews ever did?"His smile turns dangerous. "You sure you want to know?""Try me.""

I reach for my laptop with shaking hands.Time to discover what Alexander Kane does to people who try to leave him.The laptop screen glows like a portal to hell.My hands hover over the keyboard, trembling so badly I can barely type my email password. Derek stands behind me, his presence both comforting and terrifying—because whatever Alexander sent us, we're about to face it together."Maybe we shouldn't..." Derek starts."No." I force my fingers to work. "Whatever it is, I need to know."The email loads with agonizing slowness. When it finally appears, my blood turns to ice.Subject: Insurance PolicyDearest Sophia and Derek,Since you've chosen to make this personal, allow me to show you just how personal I can make things in return.Attached you'll find some interesting documentation. Photos, financial records, witness statements—a comprehensive collection spanning several years. I do hope you find them... illuminating.Derek, I'm particularly excited for you to see the photos f

"What?""For the first time in fifteen years, I remember what it feels like to be alive. That's worth fighting for."His kiss is soft, reverent, terrified. "Come back to me.""I will."The walk to the penthouse feels like walking to my execution. Every step echoes in the empty lobby, each floor the elevator climbs another nail in my coffin.But when the doors open to our apartment, I'm surprised by what I find.Candles. Dozens of them, creating a soft romantic glow throughout the living room. A bottle of expensive wine breathing on the counter. Soft music playing from the hidden speakers.And Alexander, standing by the windows in dark slacks and an open shirt, looking more relaxed than I've seen him in months."Sophia." His smile is warm, genuine, terrifying. "I knew you'd come back.""Alexander, I—""Shh." He crosses to me, taking my coat with practiced ease. "No apologies necessary. I understand. Derek has always been... persuasive. And I've been neglecting you shamefully."The comp

Torres hesitates, then nods slowly. "The devices you're already wearing. He won't know to look for them if he thinks you came alone.""Then that's what we do.""Sophia, listen to me." Derek turns me to face him, his hands on my shoulders. "Alexander is escalating. He's crossed lines tonight that he can't come back from. If you go to that warehouse—""Then maybe I don't come back. But at least my parents live.""And what about us? What about everything we just—""There is no us if my parents die because of me!" The words explode out of me, sharp with guilt and fear. "Don't you understand? Every good thing I've touched in the last fifteen years has been poisoned by him. My marriage, my family's security, my dreams—all of it built on lies and manipulation. If they die because I finally tried to be free, I'll never forgive myself."Derek's eyes are wet. "I just got you back.""I know." I cup his face, memorizing every detail. "But this is my choice. Mine. Not Alexander's, not yours. For t