Under The Billionaire's Control ✔

09 | The Person I've Become

N O A H

I'm still panting, chest heaving from the mess I just created, when I pull out my phone and dial Leelo's number. My hands are shaking as I press it to my ear, each ring sounding like a countdown.

"Yeah?" Leelo's voice is groggy on the other end, clearly not pleased with being dragged into my chaos at this hour.

"Get Ryza out of here," I snap, not in the mood for explanations. "Now."

There's a pause, a sharp intake of breath, then a heavy sigh. "You serious, Noah? What the hell did you do this time?"

"Just-please, Leelo. I'll explain later."

I don't wait for his response. I hang up and slump against the wall outside Sarah's door, my knuckles throbbing, a dull pain compared to the mess inside my head.

The house feels eerily quiet, like it's holding its breath, waiting for the next explosion. I lean my forehead against her door, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Sarah... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let Ryza come here. I shouldn't have let this happen," I beg, my words tumbling out in a rush. "Please... just give me a chance to make it right."

There's a long stretch of silence, so thick I can almost choke on it. I'm not sure if she's even listening.

I hear the door unlock with a soft click. It swings open, revealing Sarah standing there, eyes red-rimmed.

Her voice is cold, the tears streak her cheeks. "Noah, after tonight, there's no room for any emotions between us. No hate, no friendship, no jealousy. Nothing. You're my boss, and I'm just your maid. We keep it strictly professional. Understood?"

Her words are like a knife twisting in my gut, but I force myself to nod. "Fine. If that's what you want."

She turns to leave, but on impulse, I grab her arm. I can feel the warmth of her skin, the way she stiffens under my touch.

There's so much I want to say, to apologize for, but nothing comes out. My throat feels like it's closing up, the words dying before they can even reach my lips. Finally, I let go, watching her retreat back into her room, shutting me out completely.

The door slams, and it's like the final nail in the coffin. I'm left standing there, staring at the closed door, feeling more alone than ever.

I stagger back to my own room, my body heavy with exhaustion and shame. I'm a wreck, covered in sweat, blood, and regret.

The mirror reflects a face I barely recognize, someone who's lost control of everything that mattered. I reach for the first aid kit, fumbling with the bandages, trying to patch up the mess I made of my hands.

Each sting, each wince is a small punishment, one I probably deserve. Just as I'm wrapping the gauze around my knuckles, Leelo barges in, looking like he's ready to murder me himself.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Noah?" he spits out, slamming the door behind him. "Do you have any idea how messed up this is? Bringing Ryza here? Hurting Sarah like that? Are you trying to burn everything to the ground?"

I don't respond. I can't.

Leelo shakes his head, his anger melting into something more like disappointment. "I've known you for years, but I've never seen you like this, man. You need to get your head straight. Sarah doesn't deserve this."