Chapter 2

2

The moment I heard her voice, I couldn't control my physiological reaction. I doubled over, retching uncontrollably, wishing I could vomit my entire stomach out.

A wedding gift...

Yes, in the brief respites between their torture, I had been pathetic enough to prepare a gift for the happy couple.

I suddenly laughed, unable to stop myself.

Silas, you really are a complete idiot.

Sterling’s sharp voice cut through the intercom. “What kind of gift could someone without a single friend possibly prepare?”

“He’s just clinging to us because we’re the only ‘friends’ he has.”

He spat the word ‘friends’ out through gritted teeth.

I had no strength left to argue, but I knew without looking that his face must have been twisted in utter disgust.

But Sterling, you were the one who walked up to me all those years ago and promised to lead me into the sunlight.