10
I woke up in a lavishly decorated, dark room.
Overwhelming heat suffocated me.
I gasped, taking off my jacket.
I was parched and restless.
Sweat soaked my hair.
I stared at the ceiling, trying to remember
what happened.
The blankets shifted.
A raspy voice, “…You’re awake?”
I was startled, yet the voice was familiar.
“Shawn?”
He didn’t respond, but his breathing was as
rapid and heavy as mine.
I understood.
We’d both been drugged and locked in a
room, in a bed.
By whom?
The answer chilled me to the bone.
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Shawn turned, pinning me down.
His burning kisses fell on my face.
He asked, “Why didn’t you reply? Why did you
block me? Do you hate me that much?”
“I… I didn’t mean what I said, it was sarcasm!”
“I don’t want to break up with you!”
I kicked him, but it was weak.
“Shut up! I don’t want to hear it! Stop it…..
don’t touch my clothes!”
Shawn paused.
He struggled.
Then he said, “…I’m useful to you, Yan Yan.
I’ll help your company.”
He allowed desire to take over.
My struggles became fuel.
I realized my feelings for my former friends
were shallow.
No one came to save me.
The door was kicked open.
Zane entered first.
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Seeing the scene, he stopped others from
entering.
But not Xavier.
He rushed in, pulling Shawn off the bed and
punching him.
“Do you know what you’re doing? We agreed
to compete fairly, you used such a despicable
tactic?!”
Shawn didn’t respond.
After enduring several punches, he fought
back.
I looked at Zane, still at the door.
I raised my hand.
Zane came over, covering me with his jacket.
He patted my back, whispering, “It’s okay, I’m
here.”
I wept silently in his arms.
In a low voice, “I’ve always liked… you.”
“I’m sorry.”
Zane grabbed my wrist.
His breath hitched. He released my wrist,
holding me tighter.
He repeated, “It’s not your fault, don’t
apologize…”
His voice was hoarse.
“I realized too late.”
