Chapter 2

Shame and suffocation surged up together.

I panicked and blacked the screen.

I'd promised him…

The screen lit up again. Madeline had sent a video.

I pressed play with shaking hands.

A dim VIP lounge. Sebastian, a cigarette between his fingers, voice lazy. "Don't worry. First place is yours."

Chloe Mercer was sitting right next to him. The two of them were close. Too close.

Chloe forced out a smile. "Don't tease, Sebastian. Sophia's gorgeous and loaded. I can't compete with her."

Sebastian stared at her, lost in it. Like he was drunk on the sight of her.

After a long moment, he said lightly, "She won't dare."

Chloe caught his hand. Blinked up at him. "Why not?"

Sebastian went silent.

Chloe wasn't in any rush. She reached for the wine glass on the table. The low lounge lights flickered.

Sebastian sighed, caught her wrist. "You're on your cycle, sweetheart. No wine."

Chloe blinked at him. Held his gaze.

And Sebastian crumbled instantly.

He pinched her cheek, smiled like he was helpless. "I have nude photos of her. Okay? Satisfied, little queen?"

The video cut off.

My chest felt like it had a hole blown through it. Like Sebastian had poured acid straight into it. Burning.

Madeline's voice message was still going. "Sophia, did you two get in a fight? How could he—"

"And who is that girl with him?"

"Has he… has he ever taken photos like that of you?"

My throat was sealed shut with cement. I wanted to tell her not to worry. But nothing came out when I opened my mouth.

So I typed. "No. He was joking. You're still at your part-time, right? Get home safe."

My head was pounding. I collapsed against the couch cushions.

Chloe… Chloe…

I closed my eyes and let the tears fall.

At freshman orientation, Chloe had been chosen to give the welcome speech. Sleek ponytail, up at the podium, voice clear and confident. Poised.

I, meanwhile, was half-conscious from the heat. Slumped weakly against Sebastian.

He fanned me, clearly amused. "Look at her. Glowing with energy. You look like a sick kitten. How would you survive without me?"

My head was fuzzy. I glanced at Chloe. "Sebastian, I want a popsicle."

He flicked my forehead, unhurried. "No. Your stomach will hurt again."

I made a small noise and buried my face in his neck. Forgot all about Chloe.

Except it turned out Chloe was a music student too. She was bright, outgoing. Like she had an endless supply of energy. Got along with everyone in our year.

Sebastian came to pick me up after class one day, teasing. "If only you had that kind of spark."

At first, I didn't think anything of it. But over time, Sebastian brought her up more and more.

The honey-lemon tea he used to bring just for me—he started bringing her one too.

I got angry. I demanded to know why he was being so good to her.

Sebastian crossed his legs, rubbed his temples. "Sophia. Scholarship kids in music programs have it hard. She puts on a happy face, but she's struggling. It's just a cup of tea."

But it stopped being just tea. It became pastries, snacks, afternoon coffees.

Sebastian and I fought more and more. He kept saying Chloe was pitiful. That I should give her grace.

Until today.

For her, Sebastian threw everything away. My humiliation, my privacy. All of it became chips he used to flatter her.

I stared at a lone star outside the window. I couldn't understand what I'd done wrong. Why Sebastian didn't want me anymore.

I bit down on my wrist. My mouth filled with the salt-copper taste. Until blood came. I was exhausted by the time I let go.

It hurt. A lot.

I didn't want to go through this again.

Sebastian had been right. I was a coward. Always running to hide in my shell.

But I didn't want to be sad anymore.

I picked up my phone and booked a one-way ticket. Seven days out.