Chapter 53
After tidying up the apartment, I collapsed into bed, seeking refuge in rest
Barely had I closed my eyes when a nightmare jolted me awake. In it, a figure I dubbed “Scar Man” defiled my sanctuary, leaving me struggling against the dark tide of his influence, fighting back only to be greeted by shadows and pools of crimson
Awake in a heartbeat, I was left questioning reality
Had I dreamt it, or had death embraced me?
Frantically, I slapped my arm, welcoming the sting of pain–a reassuring sign of life.
Tears came unbidden for the first time since my rebirth, not from fear, but from the profound relief of survival
It was then my phone rang. Claude’s name flashed on the screen.”
I took a moment to steady my voice before answering
“Why the no–show? Forgot about the curfew again?” he queried, a hint of accusation in his tone.”
I stretched lazily, not immediately responding, only to hear his buddy chime in from the background, ‘Come on, Claude, Claire’s at that age where fun is all she wants. Lighten up.”
Fun?8
This friend of Claude’s, always too handsy whenever Claude looked away, now made my skin crawl at the memory.& “Claudy, it’s not like that. I’m swamped with my thesis. Deadlines at the dorm,” I replied, my voice unexpectedly calm. There was a pause on the other end, a departure from the times when I’d plead for his belief.
Now, what he believed didn’t matter to me. I was done trying to keep the peace.
“When did I say you could stay at the dorms?”
“I’m an adult, Claude. Your permission isnt a necessity.” I retorted, surprising even myself with my boldness.) “I’m coming to pick you up.2
His command was curt, leaving no room for debate. I tossed the phone aside and buried myself under the covers, seeking sleep’s escape_
But rest proved elusive, my thoughts circling why Claude was suddenly so keen on dragging me back, especially after his recent possessiveness.
True to his word, Claude called again half an hour later.
I’m downstairs. Come down.”
“Sorry, just stepped out with friends. Don’t wait up,” I lied, eager to end the call when he interjected, “Heard there’s only one spot left for that research position. Someone’s already pulling strings. Giving up on it?“8
Silence.K
He was blackmailing me with this?!
“Claude, you-“}
rother enjoying today’s performance
“Losing your cool so soon? I was Ten minutes. I’ll be waiting, he dictated, leaving me no choice but to get ready and head out
The research position was too valuable, and with Claude’s influence, defying him could mean losing my shot.
Stepping out to catch the elevator, I froze as the doors parted to reveal Max.
This lifetime, our paths hadn’t crossed.
He spared me no glance, brushing past to unlock his apartment across from mine.
Max, the enigmatic doctor in a crisply tailored suit, carried an air of unattainable grace, leaving an indelible mark even in such a brief
encounter
