[In the Shadows of Love] ~ Pedri.Gonzalez

Chapter 21

Emily's phone rang from the kitchen, and she darted toward it. But Mark was faster. He grabbed her by the arm, yanking her back and snatching the phone. "Oh, your dear boyfriend is calling," he mocked, holding it just out of her reach.

"Give it to me, Mark," Emily demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mark's eyes glinted with malice. "Well, I don't think so."

"Mark, give me the phone now!" Emily screamed, her voice echoing through the apartment.

Without warning, Mark smashed the phone onto the floor. The screen shattered, pieces scattering everywhere. "What the fuck, Mark?" Emily shouted, her frustration and fear boiling over.

Mark leaned in close, his expression dark and threatening. "I told you before, I don't like screaming," he hissed.

Pedri sat in his car, phone in hand, calling Emily. The phone rang and rang, but she didn't answer. He furrowed his brow, anxiety creeping in. "What the hell, she never misses my calls," he muttered to himself. He tried again, but still no answer. On the third try, the call didn't even go through—it went straight to voicemail.

Pedri's heart raced. He dialed Bella's number, tapping his fingers nervously on the steering wheel as it rang.

"Hey, Pedri," Bella answered cheerfully.

"Hey, when was the last time you talked to Emily?" Pedri asked, his voice edged with worry.

"Um, like 20 minutes ago. She said she was ready and waiting for you. Why? What's going on? You're scaring me," Bella replied, her tone shifting to concern.

"I don't know. I've been trying to call her, but she didn't answer. Now her phone is unavailable," Pedri said, his fear evident.

Bella's voice tightened with worry. "Okay, just calm down. Maybe her phone died. I'll call her again, and you try to get there as fast as you can."

Pedri nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "I am on my way there."

Mark started rampaging through the house, breaking everything in his path. The sound of shattering glass and splintering wood filled the air as Emily stood frozen, tears streaming down her face. Panic gripped her chest, making it hard to breathe.

"Mark, stop! Please!" she cried, her voice cracking with fear and desperation.

Mark turned to her, eyes wild with rage. "You think you can get rid of me that easily?" he spat, advancing towards her.

Emily backed away, her heart pounding. "I don't understand what you want! We broke up because you never loved me or respected me. Why are you here, acting jealous?"

Mark's face twisted with hatred. "I told you I hate you, and that's why you deserve nothing but the worst," he snarled, grabbing her by the throat.

Emily gasped, her hands clawing at his, trying to break free. "Mark, please!" she choked out, her vision blurring as she struggled for air.