Becoming The Lover To My Crush's Murderer

Synopsis

I'd liked Peter Moore for three years when he died on the yacht of the powerful and wealthy Grady Wilson. The official story said Peter had argued with someone, slipped, and fallen into the sea. But I knew the truth. Peter had been beaten to death because Grady's unattainable crush had flirted with Peter. Grady got wildly jealous, and ordered his men to beat Peter until he died, then dumped him into the freezing ocean in the middle of the night. Grady had said to Peter right before he died, "Didn't Erica say your voice is nice? Let me hear it then." These very words echoed in every nightmare I had after. When the news of Peter's death reached me, I'd been in Strand City prepping for my graduation show. I stared at my phone as the warmth drained from my fingers, then bolted into the bathroom and threw up until my throat burned raw. I didn't cry. I packed up mechanically, dropped out, and tore up the top-tier offer I'd been about to get. I was willing to do whatever it took. I flew back home and became Grady's most obedient kept lover. I was always quiet, sensible, and never caused trouble. Even my tears were right on point. Grady would often pinch my chin, thumb brushing away the tear at the corner of my eye, speaking to me like he was soothing a pet. "Zoe, I can give you anything except my love." I'd tilt my face up, blinking my clear, innocent eyes, and ask softly, "Really?" But inside, my heart was cold and silent. What good was your love to me when all I wanted was you dead?