Y/N
I found myself in a dark room, my heart pounding in my chest. My breathing was shallow, the air thick with the scent of damp wood and something metallic—blood?
"No… No, this can't be happening again," I whispered, panic setting in as my fingers trembled against the cold, hard floor.
I could barely see anything. The darkness swallowed me whole, suffocating and merciless. My mind raced with terrifying thoughts.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from the other side of the door.
???: "Are you there?"
The sound sent chills down my spine. My breath hitched, and I backed away from the door until my back hit the wall.
"I'm sorry! Please, don't do this!" I sobbed, my voice hoarse with fear. "I swear, I'll leave town and never come back! Just let me go!"
Laughter. Cold, cruel laughter.
???: "You're such a burden, Y/N. A stupid little bitch."
My stomach twisted at the venom in her voice.
???: "How dare you touch Lucas? He's mine."
Tears blurred my vision as confusion gripped me. "I don't even know you!" I cried. "Please, just let me go! I didn't do anything!"
The door suddenly swung open. The force of it knocked me off balance, and I fell hard onto the wooden floor, wincing as pain shot through my body.
Standing in the doorway was a tall girl with long, dark hair. Her eyes burned with hatred as she stared down at me.
???: "Well," she smirked, "I called him. He's on his way."
My blood ran cold.
???: "And when he gets here… only God knows what will happen to you."
"No… no, please don't call him!" I pleaded desperately, but my words only fueled her anger.
She grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked me up, making me cry out in pain. My scalp burned as she slammed my head against the wall. Stars danced in my vision.
???: "You came between us, Y/N," she spat. "That was your biggest mistake. And now, you're going to pay for it."
I gasped for breath, my head throbbing. "I don't even know him…" My voice was barely a whisper.
I wasn't lying.
It was my first day of college. The first person I accidentally bumped into was Lucas. When I shook his hand, he looked at me with disgust and shoved me to the ground.
Lucas: "Don't touch me, you ugly freak."
Laughter. Everyone around us had laughed.
I had felt humiliated, but I didn't know that single interaction would ruin my life.
Hours later, someone kidnapped me on my way home. I had no idea who they were or why they did this to me.
???: "Fine," she sneered, letting go of my hair. I collapsed to the ground, too weak to move.
"I won't tell him… this time."
Relief washed over me, but then—
???: "But if I ever see you near him again, you'll regret it."
With that, she walked away like nothing had happened.
I touched my forehead, wincing as my fingers came away wet with blood. My entire body ached.
I needed to get out of here.
Somehow, I managed to gather my things and run home. But it didn't end there.
That girl and her friends tormented me every day. They followed me. Cornered me. Hurt me.
And no one stopped them.
This was my worst nightmare.
---
Present Day
I jolted awake, gasping for air. My hands shook as I gripped the bedsheets.
My room. I was in my room.
The nightmare still clung to me, making my skin crawl.
The dim light of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the walls. My breathing slowed as I took in my surroundings.
Two familiar figures sat nearby—Kayden and Emma.
Their eyes were filled with concern.
Kayden was the first to move. He leaned forward, his brows furrowed.
Kayden: "Let me help you."
Gently, he reached for a pillow and placed it behind my back.
Emma: "Y/N, tell me what happened," she demanded. Her voice was laced with worry.
I hesitated. My eyes darted toward Kayden.
Emma: "I asked him, but he said you'd tell me yourself."
I exhaled shakily. Thank God Kayden hadn't told her the truth.
"I… I was stuck in the office elevator," I lied.
Emma's eyes narrowed.
Emma: "Oh, really?" She didn't sound convinced.
I forced a small smile. "Yeah, but don't worry, Emma. I'm okay now."
Emma sighed, crossing her arms.
Emma: "Y/N… Sometimes, I get so scared for you. I don't want you to suffer like we did in the past."
Pain flickered in her eyes.
I nodded, trying to reassure her. "I'm okay."
Kayden: "The past?"
Emma glanced at him. "Yeah. Do you think it's easy for an orphan girl to survive in this cruel world?" Her voice grew distant. "I had a family once… when I was eight. But—"
"Emma, don't worry," I interrupted gently. "I have you now."
She smiled faintly.
Emma: "Alright, I'll leave you two to talk. Oh, and James called while you were passed out. I told him you weren't feeling well. He said he'd come pick you up tomorrow."
I looked at Kayden. His jaw clenched slightly.
I nodded at Emma as she left the room.
Once we were alone, I turned to Kayden. "How did you find me?"
Kayden: "Coel called me. He said you passed out and told me everything. I rushed over as soon as I heard."
I nodded slowly. "I was stuck in that elevator…"
Kayden: "Yeah, he told me. Eight hours." His voice softened as he moved closer.
Kayden: "Y/N, I'm here for you."
His arms wrapped around me, holding me close.
I melted into the warmth of his embrace. "I know, Kayden."
He kissed my forehead gently.
Kayden: "Get some rest. I'll pick you up tomorrow."
I nodded, and after a moment, he left.
As soon as the door closed, I reached for my phone and dialed James.
James: "Y/N! How are you? Emma told me you were sick."
I smiled weakly. "I'm fine, James."
James: "I miss you, Y/N. I'm coming to pick you up tomorrow."
"Don't worry, James. Kayden's already going to pick me up. But thanks for checking on me."
James: "Can I see you? Please."
I chuckled softly. "Where are you?"
James: "I just landed. I'm on my way."
I raised a brow. "Okay then."
James: "I'll be there in five minutes."
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