Chapter 2

The slap made my head turn. My cheek burned, but I barely felt it. Not compared to the pain in my chest. This was the same man who used to hold me carefully, like I was someone precious to him. Now he could hit me without even blinking.

“Faye, stop fucking acting like this. I know what you're trying to do.”

My voice shook. “What am I trying to do?”

He stared at me, and I couldn't stop myself from asking, “What? Am I supposed to crawl back to you after you forced me to abort our baby and gave its stem cells to Helena just because she's pregnant?”

His jaw tightened. I wanted to say more, but I was too tired. I was done begging him to remember the man he used to be.

“I’m not chasing you anymore, Colter.”

He pulled Helena closer. “We're leaving.”

Helena gave me a small smile before following him out, and when the door closed behind them, I stood there alone. Six years of marriage, and this was what was left.

...

For the next three days, I barely left the small room they had given me. Every time I tried to walk outside the villa, Colter stopped me.

“You're staying here during the cooling off period. Don't leave without my permission.”

“I just want some air.”

“You heard me, Faye. Stay inside.”

I didn't argue anymore. There was no point.

Then, on the third day, my phone rang. I answered it immediately.

“Ms. Winslow?” a woman said. “This is New City Hospital. Your parents were shot by armed men. They're both in critical condition and undergoing emergency surgery. Their condition is fifty-fifty.”

My whole body went cold. “My parents?”

“Yes. They've been asking for you. They're both conscious on and off, and they keep calling your name. You need to come as soon as possible.”

“I'll come.”

I hung up and immediately ran downstairs, where I found Colter and Helena sitting together on the sofa. They looked comfortable, like nothing in the world could touch them.

Colter looked up when he saw me. “Where are you going?”

“My parents were shot.”

His expression changed. “What?”

“Some armed men shot them. They're in New City Hospital. They're in critical condition, and the doctors need me there!”

Helena gave a small laugh. “That sounds convenient.”

I looked at her. “What?”

“After three days of staying quiet, suddenly your parents are shot?”

I shook my head. “They're really hurt. The hospital called me. They said my parents keep asking for me.”

Colter stood up. “Faye, don't start another game.”

“I'm not lying!” I grabbed my phone and held it out to him. “Call the hospital. Please. The emergency department can confirm it. Just call them and ask.”

He took my phone from my hand. “Enough.”

My eyes filled with tears. “Colter, please. I'm not trying to escape. I just want to see my parents.”

He stared at me as I stepped closer.

“My mother was asking for me. My father too. They might die, and I wasn't even there.” My voice broke as I begged, “Please let me go.”

Helena crossed her arms. “She can leave if you want her to.”

I looked at her, but she only smiled.

“But she should at least ask properly.”

I knew what she meant, and my stomach twisted. I looked at Colter, but he said nothing.

“Please,” I whispered.

Helena tilted her head. “That isn't enough.”

I swallowed hard. “Please, Helena. Let me go to the hospital.”

She smiled. “Again.”

I closed my eyes, wondering how much more humiliation I could take. Then I slowly lowered myself to my knees.

“Please. I'm begging you. Let me see my parents.”

Helena laughed softly. “Now that's better.”

I couldn't look at Colter. I didn't want to see his face while I was kneeling in front of another woman just to see my dying parents.

But then he spoke, his voice cold. “You're willing to kneel to her just to leave me?”

I slowly looked up at him. “I don't care about leaving you.” My tears fell as I continued, “My parents are dying.”

Colter's face hardened. “Then tell me the truth. Who are you really trying to run to?”

“No one.”

“Another man?”

I shook my head. “There isn't anyone.”

He stepped closer. “Then why are you so desperate to get out of my house?”

“Because they're my parents!” My voice cracked. “I've already lost my baby because of you. Please don't make me lose them too!”