The man’s eyes were as cold as ice, filled with murderous intent. Stella squeezed her eyes shut, her eyelashes trembling with the strain of her rapid breathing. Her eyes were red, and tears threatened to spill over. Do I really have to do this? she thought, helplessness consuming her.
Inside the car, Stella found herself distracted, her gaze flickering to her phone every so often. Not long after, her phone rang again. It was another unknown number.
She didn’t even need to open the message to know who it was from. On the screen were two words: Get out.
She closed her eyes and could almost hear Weston’s voice in her mind, his tone harsh, commanding, as though every word was meant to cut her down.
Justin, who had been watching her closely, noticed something was wrong. His eyes narrowed with concern, and he gradually pressed the brake, slowing the car down. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice filled with worry.
Stella shook her head, her face pale as she handed him the phone. The two words on the screen felt like a challenge, a dare. Justin’s jaw tightened, and without another word, he slammed his foot down on the gas pedal, speeding up the car.
Stella was jolted by the sudden acceleration. She steadied herself, trying to focus, and once she calmed down, she turned to face Justin. “Are we still going today?”
“Yes, why wouldn’t we?” Justin replied, his voice laced with frustration. He clenched his teeth. “I’m curious to see just how egocentric Weston can be.”
Stella felt a knot form in her stomach. “We could change the date—”
“There’s no need for that,” Justin interrupted, his tone more serious now. “Bryce is waiting for us already.” His face was hard, the expression in his eyes resolute. “I won’t let Weston ruin our lives.”
Though his words were confident, Stella felt a twinge of doubt. She understood men like Weston—stubborn, relentless. He wouldn’t back down easily, and he certainly wouldn’t let anyone off the hook without a fight.
She closed her eyes, overwhelmed with a sense of powerlessness. In the end, she nodded. “Alright.”
Stella longed for strength. She used to believe that if she just stayed quiet and avoided upsetting anyone, she could survive in this world. But she was wrong. This world was cruel, where the predators ruled, and only the strongest could survive.
Before, her parents had shielded her from this harsh truth. But now, with them gone, she understood the reality all too well.
Since she was eighteen, she had been forced to fend for herself, taking on whatever came her way. Every chance she could grab at, she clung to, because right now, she was powerless.
To be honest, her life wasn’t bad by ordinary standards. But Weston had made it a living hell.
Another day in his shadow was another day of helplessness. The only way to escape him was to become stronger than him. But would that day ever come?
Her phone buzzed again, pulling her from her thoughts.
This time, it seemed Weston was furious.
I don’t want to say it again. Stella, get out of the car. Now.
Stella could practically hear his voice through the screen—condescending, cold, commanding. Always looking down on everyone.
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