All Chapters of Ties to Dust, Hearts to Strangers: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

Leah Hudson's last scream ripped through my head.It wasn't pain.It was this sharp ringing sound, like a buzzing that spun everything out of control. I collapsed to the floor.My phone on the table kept vibrating. I stared at it blankly, then swiped to answer. My voice cracked. "Dad?"There was a brief silence, then a deep sigh from Adam Norton, my father, came through. "Melvin, you saw it, didn't you?"I froze.My fingertips turned white as I gripped the phone. I incredulously asked, "Y-You knew?"Dad let out a mocking chuckle. As if reminiscing, he said, "Yeah. If I didn't let you see it for yourself, you'd never give up. Your mom made you suffer for 20 years out there, all for that bastard. And Leah pretended in front of you all for Dexter. Doesn't that make it clear enough for you? Love is the least important thing."Upstairs in the master bedroom, the sounds coming through the door were revolting. It was like a filthy confirmation of what Dad had just said.I choked back

In a flash, a powerful force shoved me forward.Dexter screamed, stumbling into Leah's arms. At the same time, I felt a grip, reeking of sweat and cheap cigarettes, seize my arm.The cold gleam of a knife pressed against my neck. The blade sliced my skin, drawing a thin line of blood.But Leah was too busy soothing Dexter, who was shaken. "It's okay, Dexter. Don't be scared. I'm here."She never turned to check on me.When Dexter's eyes scanned my bleeding wound, he raised an eyebrow at me smugly.Then, he clung to Leah even tighter. "Leah, I'm so scared! This place is filthy. Can you get me out of here?"Leah steadied Dexter, ready to leave.The kidnapper barked, "Nobody moves! You think you can just leave? Call that filthy rich guy from the Norton family now. Tell him to get 100 million dollars in cash here in 30 minutes. Otherwise, I'll kill his son!"As soon as the words left his mouth, Dexter grabbed Leah's arm. His voice was trembling as he said, "Leah, let's go. I can't

Leah's mouth dropped open, clearly struggling to understand what Gunner was saying.Gunner didn't seem to care. He just nodded to himself. "Alright, let's start with the recording."With a click, the play button was pressed.The rough voice of the kidnapper, Ryan Black, blared through the speakers. "Are you sure the Hudson cop will do what we say? She's a cop, after all."Then Dexter's venomous voice followed. "Don't worry. Leah's crazy in love with me. When I was forced to leave the country, I barely said anything, and she went after Melvin just to avenge me."I thought she was serious about this marriage, so I rushed back. But as soon as she saw me, Leah immediately wanted to break up with Melvin and marry me. She loves me that much."When the time comes, you can just make a couple of cuts on my neck, and Leah will do whatever you want. After you get the money, just let Melvin go in the chaos."Dexter paused, then added, "Better yet, try being a little more reckless with that

Melvin's POVThe court ruling came three months later.Dexter was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted on multiple charges—abduction, financial fraud, money laundering, false accusations, and obstruction of justice.As the bailiffs dragged him away from the defendant's seat, he looked back toward the empty spectator gallery.Even Everly had abandoned him.The last bit of composure on his face shattered, and his legs gave out. He was practically dragged out of the courtroom.20 years was enough time for even the most vibrant life to wither into gray dust behind iron bars.As for Leah, before the trial began, Gunner had submitted a settlement agreement to the court and the prosecution.I wasn't acting out of love.I just thought that locking Leah away in a cell, leaving her isolated from the world, would be an escape for her.That would be too kind.I wanted her to live through every waking second with absolute clarity. I wanted her to see for herself exactly