Chapter 2
It took me a while to adjust before I could finally see Alex's face clearly.
Maybe I was just wasted, but for a moment, it looked like he was actually worried about me.
I shook my head, trying to clear those thoughts, and said quietly, "Alex, I just want to leave the room and get some rest."
He suddenly let go of my wrist, laughing as he shook his head. "As if you could ever leave me."
I was born in a remote mountain village, where my family was dirt poor and only cared about having sons.
If the Sterlings hadn't taken me in, I probably would've been sold off to some old widower for cash.
Alex caught a whiff of the booze on me and waved his hand in disgust.
Then he snapped his fingers, sounding bored.
"Alright, everyone, time to head home. Get some sleep."
Alex had an apartment near campus. Chloe was practically glued to his side, hanging onto him the moment they walked in, acting like she couldn't bear to let go.
"I'm gonna take a shower," Alex said.
He kissed Chloe on the forehead, dropped his clothes on the floor, and stepped into the shower.
My head was splitting, but I still knelt on the floor, gathering up the clothes that were strewn everywhere.
Chloe's voice came from above me. "Emily, tonight's just for me and Alex. Why are you still here? Get lost."
Her dress slipped off and landed in a heap on the floor.
I tried to get up, but she stepped on my hand, twisting her stiletto heel into my skin, driving it deep into my flesh.
The booze had numbed my nerves, leaving behind only a dull, lingering pain.
"I can't leave. This is my job," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Your job? Wow, that's the first time I've heard someone make being a leech sound so noble," Chloe sneered.
She pressed down even harder, and the pain hit me late, shooting through my right arm.
The shower door opened, and Alex stepped out.
Chloe quickly pulled her foot back and rushed over to kiss him.
Before heading into the bedroom, she shot me a vicious glare and slammed the door shut behind her.
A few seconds later, Alex's voice came from inside, sounding totally freaked out.
"Why did you turn off the lights?" he yelled.
The door burst open and Alex rushed out in his pajamas. When he saw me sitting on the couch, he finally relaxed.
The bedroom lights flicked back on, and Chloe timidly peeked out.
"Alex, I just wanted to turn on the red romantic light. Don't you like it?" she said, her voice small and uncertain.
Alex ignored her and sat down next to me, running his fingers through his hair again and again.
It was his way of hiding how anxious and scared he really was.
Seeing this, Chloe suddenly burst into tears.
"It was Emily who told me to turn off the lights. She said you liked it that way," Chloe sniffled.
"She's just jealous of how good you are to me, so she's trying to get me in trouble. Alex, you can't let her trick you."
She had tears streaming down her face, looking so helpless that even I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
Alex froze for a second, then slapped me hard across the face.
My head was already pounding, and now everything spun. My body just gave out, and I crashed onto the couch.
Chloe didn't stick around.
After she left, Alex completely lost control. He yanked me up like a beast, his grip bruising. 'Emily, you really dared to use that against Chloe?'
"You want to die, huh? You want to die!"
Alex was howling, his eyes bloodshot with rage.
I shook my head weakly, barely able to get the word out. "No."
That was a secret I'd take to my grave. I'd never told a soul.
Every corner of the living room was flooded with light, but Alex's hands were still trembling violently.
Too drained to stand, he collapsed onto the couch with me.
Fear took over everything.
Alex curled up, ice cold and shivering, like he was being chased by something terrifying, just like fourteen years ago.
"Emily, hold me tight," Alex whispered, his voice trembling with fear.
I heard him, but I couldn't bring myself to hold him back. Instead, I just passed out, barely aware of anything.
When morning came and I woke up, Alex's arms were still wrapped tightly around me, as if he was afraid to let go.
His breathing was steady, and he looked like he'd finally calmed down.
The moment our eyes met, he immediately pushed me away with a look of distaste, quickly getting up from the couch.