Chapter 1

1 When the kidnappers forced Silas Sterling to choose, he didn't even blink before picking his first love.

"Quinn, stop this pathetic acting. I know you're behind this," he sneered.

He walked away without a second glance.

The thugs broke me, leaving my body to rot in a ditch.

Then, I woke up.

I was back at our college graduation, right when Silas was down on one knee.

This time, I walked away first.

Later, the arrogant man crawled back, sobbing and hitting himself.

"Quinn, please... I'm begging you. Love me again."

...

When Silas arrived with the ransom, I wasn't relieved.

I already knew he wasn't there for me.

Riley Goodwin had been whipping me herself just moments ago.

As soon as Silas showed up, she threw herself onto the floor, making it look like the kidnappers were overpowering her.

Silas handed over the money and barely spared me a glance.

His eyes were full of nothing but terror for Riley.

"I gave you the money. Now let her go," he demanded.

The kidnapper grinned, playing his part in their twisted game.

"Mr. Sterling, this amount only covers one life. Who are you taking home?"

I was tied to a chair, pale and trembling, though my wounds were hidden beneath my clothes.

Riley, on the other hand, looked like a complete mess.

Watching her struggle on the floor made me want to laugh.

It was so unnecessary.

Even without the act, Silas would always choose her.

But a small, stupid part of me still hoped.

"Silas, please," I whispered. "Save me."

He didn't even look at me as he pointed toward Riley.

"Let her go."

There was no hesitation.

He scooped Riley into his arms and walked past me.

Seeing my hollow expression, he let out a cold snort.

"Quinn, is this another one of your desperate stunts?"

He didn't see the smug smirk Riley flashed me over his shoulder.

I closed my eyes as his silhouette faded into the distance.

I thought we were in love, but I was just a fool living in a lie.

Next to Riley Goodwin, I was nothing but a tragic clown.

"Boss, is she ours to play with now?" one of the thugs asked.

"Of course. Ms. Goodwin said no survivors."

Fear finally took hold. I began to shake uncontrollably.

"No, please. Don't..."

My weak pleas were useless against those monsters.

They were ruthless animals who knew exactly how to break a person.

They started with a taser.

The surge of electricity sent me into a world of pure agony before I blacked out.

They woke me up with a bucket of saltwater.

Every cut on my body screamed as I rolled on the floor in pain.

My screams only seemed to excite them more.

"Hey, didn't you say you loved the sound of pretty girls screaming? Is this enough for you?"

"She's got spirit. A girl this beautiful... I'm going to enjoy every second."

The nightmare finally ended when my heart stopped beating.

My consciousness drifted, my soul floating toward the ceiling.

I saw my own body―half-naked, limbs twisted at impossible angles, skin covered in burns and bites.

It hurt so much.

Even as a ghost, the pain was unbearable.

In the haze of death, I saw a glowing teenage boy.

He handed me a handkerchief, his brow furrowed with a gentle worry.

"Quinn, stay with me from now on. I'll protect you."

That was the Silas I fell in love with in high school.