HANNAHI cry until my eyes run dry, my heart shattered into a million jagged pieces by Alex’s betrayal and the public humiliation that followed. The tranquil silence of the forest is broken by the crunch of leaves underfoot, and I don’t bother lifting my head to see who it is. But I know who it is the moment her scent reaches me, as she wraps her arms around my trembling form.“There you are! I’ve been searching everywhere.” Mila exclaims, hugging me tight. I cling to her desperately, craving the comfort and solace her embrace provides amidst this maelstrom of heartbreak.“That asshole Alex doesn’t deserve you,” she growls, the rumble vibrating through her chest as she tightens her arms around me. “I’m glad this happened so you can be free of him finally.” Her words are meant to soothe, but they only reopen
ALEXThat agonizing ache that tore through my heart the day I lied about still loving Alice rips through me again, even more excruciating this time. Watching Hannah’s slender form walk away, her shoulders trembling as she fought back sobs, shattered what was left of my soul into a million pieces. I didn’t even realize how deeply I cared for her until this nightmare unfolded. There is nothing I crave more in this moment than to chase after her, pull her lithe body into my arms, and drown in her intoxicating scent, murmuring reassurances that everything will be alright - even though I have no idea how to make that true. Fuck! The most torturous part of this hellish situation is that I understand why I can’t refuse Alice’s demands, but that knowledge changes absolutely fucking nothing.My brothers and I are Alice’s puppets, our wills stripped away by her intoxicating new scent. Lorenzo didn’t waver from his o
HANNAHI stare up at the towering glass facade of the M. Corp skyscraper, my stomach churning with dread. Is subjecting myself to more humiliation by returning here really worth it? I could quit, and start searching for a new job elsewhere...but what are the guarantees I’ll find decent employment in time? I need a steady income. As kind as Mila has been to let me crash at her place this past week, I can’t keep imposing on her hospitality forever. The way things are disintegrating, I fear soon I may be utterly alone with no means to support myself.Releasing a shuddering sigh, I brace myself and stride through the lobby, making a beeline for Alex’s office. Rae’s gaze is laced with pity as I arrive, and the look makes me want to disappear. Maybe I should just request a recommendation letter from him instead of asking Alex to transfer me to another department.
The rest of the week passes in a blur, mercifully free of Alice’s constant attempts to undermine and humiliate me at every turn. But tonight, there’s no escaping her - it’s the annual company ball, and attendance is practically mandatory.I managed to secure a stunning replacement dress after the mall fiasco. The fully embellished tulle gown features an abstract crocodile pattern, with black stones cascading over the long sleeves and a sleek skirt. A leather belt cinches my waist, creating an elegant silhouette. I’ve paired it with understated gold accessories and left my hair down in loose waves, the picture of effortless glamour.Part of me wanted to skip the event entirely, to just stay home and nurse my wounds in private. But Mila convinced me that after the hellish two weeks I’ve endured, a night out might be exactly what I need to reclaim some sense of norma
I sway my body to the pulsing beat blasting from the club's speakers, my eyes fluttering shut as I let the alcohol coursing through my veins guide my movements. I'm lost in the music, in the blissful haze of intoxication, finally free from the constant ache in my chest. I don't know what day it is anymore, let alone the month. And frankly, I don't care.When drowning my sorrows in pints of ice cream stopped numbing the pain, I graduated to something stronger, something that could knock me out cold and grant me a few precious hours of oblivion. Mila's been worrying herself sick over me, convinced I'll never recover from Alex’s betrayal. And maybe she's right. This is my fourth night in a row at the club, ever since she cut me off from drinking at home. Alex had blown up my phone with calls and texts until I blocked his number, unable to bear seeing his name flashing on my screen.I roll my hips, shimmying lower as the bass drops, reveling in the appreciative whistles and catcalls from
ALICE"What the actual fuck just happened?" I screech, my voice shrill with disbelief as I watch Alex practically drag Hannah out of the club, my feet rooted to the spot in shock. Collins staggers to his feet, swaying slightly as I whirl on him, shoving at his chest with all my strength."Explain to me what the fuck just happened!" I demand, my face mere inches from his, eyes blazing with fury."I don't know... I don't fucking know!" he yells back, his own confusion and frustration evident in his tone."Why did he act like he wasn't under my spell? He shouldn't have reacted like that if he was properly enthralled," I snarl, pacing the tiny space I have on the crowded dance floor, my movements jerky and agitated."Fuck! Why the hell did he behave like that?" I scream again, rounding on Collins once more, my fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms.
I bolt upright in bed, a scream lodged in my throat, my heart slamming against my ribcage. My eyes dart around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, and my blood turns to ice in my veins. The generic, impersonal decor of a hotel room greets me, confirming my worst fears. Hot tears sting my eyes, blurring my vision as I drop my head into my hands, my breath coming in ragged gasps.But then, through the haze of panic, I notice something that gives me pause. My dress...it hasn’t changed. With trembling hands, I throw back the covers and examine myself more closely. Sure enough, I’m still wearing the same gown from last night, the fabric rumpled but intact. Did Collins have a sudden change of heart? The thought seems too good to be true, but a flicker of hope sparks in my chest.The sound of the door opening shatters the brief illusion of safety, and my head whips toward the noise, my heart leaping into my throat.“You’re finally awake,” Collins drawls, sauntering into the room
It’s been a few days since I received the most devastating news of my life. Mila and I have been racking our brains, trying to come up with a way for me to get close to Collins without tipping him off that I know what he did. And then it hit us - it wouldn’t be strange at all for me to suddenly want to be by his side constantly. The potion he gave me was supposed to make me his obedient puppet, to trick me into believing I was in love with him. So, sending him a text saying I miss him and want to see him would seem perfectly normal for someone under his spell.And that’s how I find myself in Collins’ car, my heart slamming against my ribcage as we drive to the moon goddess knows where. Fear courses through my veins, icy and sharp. What if he discovers the potion didn’t work on me? What will he do to me then? The possibilities are too horrific to contemplate.“We’re here,” Collins announces, jolting me from my spiraling thoughts.I paste on a smile, hoping it doesn’t look as forced as