Afterlight (Fanfiction) ✓

chapter forty-seven

Chloe

THE thoughts in my mind crashed and clashed like frenzied dodgems, relentless and chaotic. A pounding headache throbbed behind my eyes as I dragged my hands roughly over my face, the frustration boiling over. I hated myself—hated how easily I'd let Damien crawl into my mind and twist it into knots. I hated how I'd allowed him to have this power over me, to make me question everything.

Once again, my life dangled by a thread, as if fate itself delighted in pushing me to the edge. Every time I thought I'd climbed out of the pit, another force struck me down. But I refused to let it consume me. Depression was a beast I couldn't let devour me—not now, not ever. I had to fight, tooth and nail, until there was nothing left of me but resolve. Survival was my only choice.

"The postman, huh?" Lewis raised an amused brow, his smirk as sharp as ever. "Creative excuse." He let out a low chuckle, clearly enjoying himself.

Nathan didn't hesitate. His fist connected with Lewis's arm hard enough to make Lewis flinch, gripping his bicep in exaggerated pain. "Ugh, man," Lewis muttered, rubbing at the sore spot. "What the hell was that for?"

"Do us all a favor and shut it," Nathan hissed, shaking his head in exasperation.

Lewis bit the inside of his cheek, his teasing dimming as he gave me a sheepish look. "Sorry," he said softly, managing an apologetic smile.

"It's fine." I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. My voice softened, heavy with the weight of my thoughts. "I'm the one who should be apologizing... for taking this long to pull myself together. I always knew life wouldn't be easy, but at least I had Brad. Now that he's gone..." My voice cracked, the words catching in my throat. I couldn't say it. Couldn't bring myself to say the rest. Instead, I swallowed hard, steadying myself. "But I know now what I have to do."

"Still the same Chloe," Lewis teased gently, his tone light but his eyes warm. "Stubborn, fierce, and always running her mouth, no matter the storm."

I chuckled through my tears, the sound shaky but real. "Yeah. That's me."

"We know," Lewis said, nodding. His smile faded, replaced by something more serious. "But you're fueled by anger right now. And that's fine, but don't let it blind you, Chloe. Don't let it take you to a place you can't come back from."

I sighed deeply, the tension in my chest loosening just a little. "I know. Thanks."

"So... no movie night then?" David quipped, nudging me with his elbow and feigning a pout.

"David," Nathan groaned, clearly unimpressed.

David threw his hands up in mock surrender, his lips twitching into a smirk he barely hid. "Fine, fine. I'll shut up. But only because it's Chloe."

As the banter settled, Lewis popped a NicNac into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully before speaking. "I don't believe Damien," he said flatly. "That guy loves messing with people, Chloe. He's not just cruel—he's calculated. Sure, none of us are saints, but Damien? There's something seriously wrong with him, he's mentally sick."

David nodded in agreement. "Lewis is right. Don't trust him, Chloe. This guy thrives on mind games. Do you really think someone like him, who's put you through hell, suddenly wants to protect you from his brother? The same brother who was supposed to kill you but didn't when he found out who you were? Justin protected you for months. Does that sound like someone on Damien's level?"

I stayed quiet, my thoughts churning. I didn't know what to believe anymore. My mind was a haze of doubt and fear, but there was no denying the possibility. Maybe Justin was working with Damien. Or maybe Damien was lying, pulling strings to tear us all apart.