Chapter 1

The cold metal scalpel was held against my neck.

The blade wasn't pressing in, just lightly touching.

But I felt a bone-chilling cold, as if it might cut me open at any moment.

The person holding the knife was my boyfriend, Ethan Reed.

He was a genius scientist, everyone knew he was crazy smart.

But he was also an absolute psycho.

Ethan leaned closer, his warm breath tickling my ear. Ethan's voice was low and gentle.

"Nora, what did you just say?" Ethan asked.

"I didn't hear you," Ethan said softly.

"Say it again."

*****

The air felt so tense, it was like everything had frozen solid around me.

Behind Ethan, his team of lab coat-wearing researchers were frozen in place, like someone had hit the pause button, nobody even dared to breathe.

'This isn't how it's supposed to go!' I freaked out inside.

In the original story, the expendable ex-girlfriend, me, was supposed to break up with the male lead right here.

Then the male lead would just agree coldly, say "Okay," and that would be it. We'd go our separate ways, and he'd start his happily ever after with the original female lead.

As for me, I'd walk away with my breakup money and keep my life intact.

But now, how did I end up with a scalpel pressed against my neck?

My heart was beating so wildly, I thought it might jump right out of my throat.

My legs felt like they were made of lead. I couldn't take a single step.

I managed to squeeze out a smile that was uglier than crying.

"I... I said you looked super cool doing your experiment today," my voice shaky as I spoke.

Ethan's dark eyes were fixed on me, searching for any hint of a lie.

Those eyes that were always so calm when he stared at data were now blazing, almost scorching, so intense that it felt like he wanted to eat me alive. He looked crazy obsessed, like I was the only thing that mattered to him.

'Ethan, please believe me! I swear I really think you're handsome! Don't kill me!' I begged frantically inside.

Ethan stayed silent for a few seconds.

The air around us felt even colder, like the temperature had dropped a few more degrees.

Finally, Ethan flicked his wrist and flung the scalpel back onto the metal tray with a sharp metallic clang.

All at once, the tension drained out of me. I nearly crumpled to the floor.

Before I could even catch my breath, a cold, strong hand seized my wrist.

The grip was so tight, it felt like he was trying to crush my bones.

"Come with me," Ethan said.

He didn't give me a chance to protest. He just dragged me straight through the whole lab.

The researchers all ducked their heads, pretending to be absorbed in their reports, but their eyes were like spotlights, tracking our every move.

It was so embarrassing that I wished I were dead.

Ethan dragged me straight into his private office.

The door slammed shut behind us, and then came the electronic beeps of the keypad locking.

My heart sank.

I was sure he was about to throw me into his private dungeon.

Ethan let go of my hand and turned around, his tall frame towered over me, making me feel small and trapped.

He looked down at me, his gaze shadowed and intense.

"Nora, something's been off about you lately."

'Of course I'm acting weird! If I don't get out of here soon, you'll finish me off!' my mind was screaming.

"Is it because I haven't been spending enough time with you?" Ethan mused aloud, like he'd already made up my excuse for me.

"Yeah, I guess it's my fault."

Ethan reached out and brushed his fingers lightly across my cheek.

His fingertips were icy cold, carrying the faint smell of metal and antiseptic, but the touch burned like a branding iron.

"Starting tomorrow, I'll put my experiments on hold and stay home with you," Ethan said, his voice low and possessive.

My pupils practically shook.

'No, Ethan, please! You're a national hero, the fate of humanity depends on you! If you skip work, the apocalypse is coming!' I panicked inside.

"No... really, you don't have to!" Nora waved her hands in a panic. "I'm just... just a little worn out lately, probably haven't been sleeping well, that's all."

"Tired?" Ethan narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering in his gaze. "So what you just said... was that you just talking nonsense?"

I nodded frantically. "Yeah, yeah, total nonsense! Just me talking in my sleep! Seriously, don't take it to heart!"

Ethan stared at me, then suddenly, he smiled.

It was a faint smile, but it sent a chill down my spine.

"Alright," He said. "I won't take it seriously."

Ethan leaned down and placed a chilling kiss on my forehead, sending a shiver straight through me.

"Get some rest."

"Once you've recovered, we'll have a proper talk."

With that, he spun around and walked out, not even looking back.

I just stood there, totally frozen. My brain hadn't even caught up yet.

I couldn't believe he'd just let me go like this.

The door opened and closed.

Beep-beep.

The keypad beeped again.

I rushed over and yanked at the doorknob, but it didn't budge.

He'd locked me in here all by myself.

Ethan's voice drifted in from outside, steady and completely unruffled.

"Don't go anywhere until I get back."

"Behave."

I paced around the lounge like a chicken with its head cut off, spinning in circles nonstop, totally lost.

My phone had full bars, but I didn't have the guts to call Ethan.