They were best friends for years, sharing every secret except one. When Felix finally confesses his feelings, Josephine lets him down with a gentle lie: she's not interested in men. Heartbroken but determined to keep their friendship, Felix tries to...
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(CHAPTER HAS STRONG TRIGGER WARNINGS! VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED! ⚠️⚠️‼️)
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Josephine's head throbbed as she slowly regained consciousness. A dull ache pulsed through her temple, and her body felt heavy and stiff. When she tried to move her arms, she realized they were bound behind her back. Her ankles were tied as well, the rough texture of rope biting into her skin. Panic surged as she opened her eyes, taking in the cold, dimly lit basement around her. The air was damp and smelled faintly of mildew, and her cheek rested against the hard concrete floor.
Her muffled cries were barely audible at first, her mouth sealed shut with tape. Josephine began writhing, trying to loosen the bindings on her wrists, but the knots held firm. Her heart raced as she scanned the room, searching for something, anything, that could help her. Desperation set in as she shifted her legs, her shoes scraping against the floor.
She began slamming her feet against the ground, the dull thuds echoing in the confined space. Josephine's screams grew louder, though the tape muffled them. She had to get attention. She didn't know what time it was, but she hoped she could get Orson's attention. She'd hoped that he was here.
Footsteps.
Her heart leaped, hope flashing through her chest—but it was short-lived as the basement door creaked open, and Felix's figure appeared at the top of the stairs. He descended slowly, his face a mix of fear and determination.
"Josephine," he said softly, holding up his hands as if to calm her. "Don't freak out, okay? Just—just listen to me."
Josephine's muffled screams only grew louder, her eyes blazing with fury and fear. She kicked her legs harder, thrashing against the ropes, her voice a desperate plea for freedom.
"Stop!" Felix hissed, his voice urgent. He crouched beside her, his hands hovering over her as if afraid to touch her. "Please, stop. I—I didn't mean for this to happen. I don't know what came over me. But I can't let you go yet. Not until I figure out what to do."
Josephine's muffled protests continued, her eyes narrowing in defiance. Felix's hands clenched into fists as he struggled to keep his composure.
"I'm trying to keep you safe," he said, his voice trembling. "You don't understand—if you leave, if you tell someone... it'll ruin everything between us. I just need time to think. Please. I will take off the tape if you don't scream, okay?"
A voice called from upstairs.
"Felix?" Orson's tone was groggy, confused.
Felix's eyes widened in alarm, quickly pulled his hand away from Josephine's tape. "Shh," he whispered, glancing toward the stairs. "You can't make any noise, Josephine. Please."
