Chapter 2

The hallway was so quiet that I could hear my heart pounding from nerves.

I dared not meet Eli's eyes any longer and could only mumble a quick apology, "It's my fault, but please don't tell Bella."

No matter how legitimate my excuse might have been, showing up at her fiancé's door at midnight was somewhat inexcusable.

As soon as I finished speaking, I rushed back to my bedroom.

*****

Eli never promised he'd help me.

But two days later, I learned what his answer was.

Oliver Carter came back to our little home, looking like he'd been through hell. The moment he saw me, he pulled me into a tight hug.

I gently patted his back, reassuring him in a soft voice, "It's okay now."

But I didn't feel sorry for him at all. Making Oliver offend someone from the Brooks family was only a means for me to get close to Eli.

I was going to ruin Eli.

I meant to tear him down from his privileged position and leave him drowning in despair.

The Brooks family held absolute power over Bronton, so approaching their heir was no easy feat.

But luckily, Bella and I had become good friends.

*****

It was thanks to Bella that I got to meet Eli again.

Bella and Eli were on a date at Blue Moon Bay.

I went there to return an invaluable sapphire necklace she'd left at my place.

In the pouring rain, I hugged the jewelry box to my chest and showed up before Eli, soaked from head to toe.

Bella looked surprised and walked over to me. "Oh, my dear Chloe, how did you get so wet? You'll catch a cold."

Without saying a word, I smiled up at Bella and handed the jewelry box to her.

Eli stared at me, too. After a long pause, he gestured for a nearby waiter to help me get changed.

I stayed put, my gaze fixed on Bella.

She picked up on how uneasy I was and ruffled my hair gently. "Go on. It's fine."

*****

I was led upstairs to a room where a white dress had been laid out for me.

I'd only slipped it on, the zipper still hanging loose at the back, when the door opened.

I spun around in a panic, only to see Eli standing in the doorway.

He shut the door behind him, his eyes locked on me like a predator sizing up its prey. Then he unbuttoned his collar and strode toward me.

"Mr. Brooks, you—" I barely managed to get my soft exclamation out before his strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me hard against his chest.

I knew the kind of girl he craved was a delicate, lovely young woman dressed in white.

After all, the girl I cherished deep down, my best friend Zoe Miller, looked like this.

But Zoe was erased from this world on a rainy night because of Eli, who was now in front of me.

Eli's voice was low and hoarse as he bit my ear. "Chloe, are you trying to seduce me?"

I couldn't break free from his rough embrace, so I had to turn my face away and cry softly. "Mr. Brooks, don't do this. Bella—"

Eli quickly cut me off. "Bella has gone back."

I stopped struggling and stared at him in a daze.

Eli scooped me up and carried me into the bedroom.

He was tough and powerful.

I was fragile and helpless.

Uncontrollable sobs spilled out of me in the bedroom, mixed with his heavy, rough breaths that he couldn't hold back.

In the wee hours, Eli was out cold.

I carefully turned over, letting my eyes wander over his face in the darkness.

He had a face that looked pure and flawless, but unfortunately, his soul was twisted and rotten to the core.

Zoe died because of Eli, but he never felt a hint of guilt.

My dear Zoe died on a cold, rainy night. Pain and despair devoured her.

But it didn't matter. Eli would go to hell soon.

I'd welcome him to my realm.

*****

Before dawn broke, I slipped out of Eli's room.

He was so fast asleep that he probably wouldn't notice if I stabbed him in the heart.

But I wasn't going to do that. I wanted him to suffer.

The statue of the Deity of Radiance in front of Blue Moon Bay watched me, but I was sure he wouldn't judge me.

*****

I headed back to my place, telling myself I needed to stay away from Eli for a while.

I even started making excuses to avoid Bella's invitations.

But Eli tracked me down soon.

On the third evening, he cornered me in this run-down neighborhood.

I stood before him, acting like I was at a loss.

Then I spun around, ready to bolt away.

But his bodyguards blocked every escape route behind me.

Eli sauntered over, peered down at me, and a malicious edge leaked into his voice. "Where do you think you're running off to, my little vixen?"