Tangled Hearts

018

The day drags on as rehearsals continue. Jason hovers nearby, never giving me a moment's peace. Every time I glance over at Walker, I feel a pang of guilt, but also something else—hope. He's watching me, studying the situation, and I know he's piecing things together. It's only a matter of time before he confronts me again.

By the time the day wraps up, I'm exhausted. Jason is preoccupied with talking to one of the producers, which gives me a rare opportunity to slip away. I find a quiet corner near the trailers, my mind racing with everything that's happened today.

Just as I'm about to text Ellie and tell her how things are spiraling, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn to see Walker walking toward me, his face serious but kind.

"Y/N," he says softly, coming to stand beside me. "We need to talk."

I sigh, leaning against the trailer wall. "About what?"

"About Jason. About you. You're not yourself, and I know something's going on."

I look down, biting my lip. I've been holding everything in for so long, pretending that everything is fine when it's not. But with Walker standing here, so genuinely concerned, I feel the walls I've built start to crumble.

"I... I don't know how to explain it," I begin, my voice shaky. "He's controlling, Walker. He doesn't let me out of his sight. I can't talk to my friends, I can't go anywhere without him. It's like I'm his prisoner."

Walker's expression hardens. "Has he hurt you?"

I hesitate, the truth weighing heavy on my chest. "Not physically," I whisper. "But it feels like I'm suffocating."

Walker clenches his fists, taking a deep breath as he processes my words. "You don't deserve this, Y/N. You need to get out."

"I can't," I say quickly, shaking my head. "He won't let me. He's always there, watching."

Walker steps closer, his voice determined. "We'll figure something out. You don't have to do this alone."

**Jason Interrupts**

Before I can respond, I hear Jason's voice calling my name. My heart races as I look at Walker, panic flashing across my face.

"I have to go," I whisper, stepping away from him. "Please don't say anything."

Walker looks frustrated, but he nods. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

I nod, feeling my throat tighten as I turn and head back toward Jason. Walker watches as I disappear from sight, his jaw set, determined to help me in any way he can.

**Back at Home**

That night, Jason insists on staying over at my house again. I try to mask my discomfort, but it's hard. He keeps making comments about how I'm his and how I don't need anyone else. His possessiveness is suffocating.

As I lie in bed, Jason asleep beside me, my mind keeps replaying the conversation with Walker. I wish I could tell him everything, but I'm terrified of what Jason would do if he found out.

I stare at the ceiling, feeling trapped and hopeless. But maybe, just maybe, Walker's right. Maybe there's a way out of this mess.

**End of Chapter**

As the night drags on, I know one thing for sure: I can't keep living like this. Something has to change. And with Walker's help, I might just find the strength to take back control of my life.