Twisted Chances

3. Nia (edited)

I could not sleep at night, even after hugging Mr. Teddy close.

I must have been so obvious.

I must have been that obvious yesterday too, for them to have noticed.

I just did not want them to worry, especially not Dad.

He would kill him if he ever found out. Even my brother would help him. But I don't want that.

It would be satisfying to see him suffer, little by little. But before that, I want him to see that I am happy: that I don't care about him anymore, that I don't think of him any longer.

But that isn't true.

I have been scarred by him, and now I can no longer trust men I don't know.

I... I want to be happy too.

And since coming here, this was the first time I dreamt of him.

Past:

I had just returned from my trip to Paris with my friends.

But when I pulled out my keys and tried to open the door, I found it already unlocked.

Goosebumps crawled down my skin. Something felt wrong.

Henry was never the type to leave a door unlocked.

And then I saw them. Red heels, discarded on the mat.

The worst came to mind.

As I tiptoed toward the bedroom, muffled moans reached my ears.

My fear was confirmed.

I am not a supporter of cheating at all, so I confronted him, only to witness a disgusting scene unfold in front of me.

The woman scrambled, panicked, and ran out half-dressed.

I was furious.

How could he? How could he betray me like this?

I had given him my whole heart, and this is how he repaid me.

That is what my love was worth to him.

I walked straight up to him and slapped him. Once, then again.

I did not want to hear his excuses. If I had Dad's gun in that moment, I might have pulled the trigger without hesitation.

Fucking bastard.

I began gathering my things, ready to leave. I could stay with any of my friends if I had to.

But as I reached the door, he stopped me.

And the look in his eyes terrified me.

For the first time in my life, Nia Harper was afraid.

"Put down the bags, love. You're not going anywhere," he ordered, his lips curled into a chilling smile as if trying to soften his menace.

In that instant, I realized he was a psychopath.

He gripped my hand so tightly that it hurt. Then he began to ramble.

"You're not leaving me, love. I can't live without you. I love you. I love you. I love you."

My mind screamed at me to run, to escape, but my body was numb. My legs refused to move.

Then he pulled out a knife, pressing the blade to my throat.

"You cannot leave me, love. I only felt lonely without you, so I found someone who looked like you to fuck. Of course, she isn't your replacement, love. No one could ever replace you. I love only you."