𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐲

...🏀...

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟓

𝐈 hurled a shirt into my bag, the fabric slipping from my fingers without me even noticing. I was hardly paying attention to anything around me—the familiar hum of the refrigerator, the faint aroma of coffee lingering in the air, the relentless ticking of the clock on the wall, a persistent reminder that time waits for no one. I felt like I was floating, detached from everything. I needed something to ground me, to pull me back to earth. 

My eyes wandered over to the clutter of mail scattered across the island—bills in their telltale envelopes, a brightly colored flyer for a new pizza place that had just opened down the street. And then, amid the chaos, a plain white envelope caught my eye. My name was scrawled on it in a familiar hand, and there was no return address. 

Just the sight of it sent a shiver up my spine.

My frown deepened as I picked it up, feeling a strange heaviness settle in the pit of my stomach. I flipped it over; its stark simplicity made my heart beat faster. With fingers that suddenly felt clumsy, I tore it open. The sound of ripping paper seemed deafening in the otherwise silent room, a jarring noise that echoed off the walls. I unfolded the letter inside, my breath catching as I read the words that stopped my heart.

Mylah,

You think you can move on. After I was gracious enough to give you four months to say your goodbyes and return to me. Instead, you moved on to him!

You belong to me, Mylah.

Is his death what you want on your conscience? Because I will kill him for touching you because no one touches what is mine.

If you care about him, you will let him go before it's too late. This will be your final warning. And if you ignore me again...his death will be your fault, Mylah.

-Andrew

My blood turned to ice as I stood frozen, the letter shaking. The bright sunlight that poured through the window felt like a cruel joke, highlighting the creeping shadows of fear enveloping me.

"Mylah, you ready to go?" Haley's voice shattered the stillness, her footsteps approaching.

I shoved the letter into my bag, turning to face her with a forced smile. "Yeah, just a minute."

Haley's eyes narrowed. "You sure you're okay? You look...off."

"I'm fine," I lied, the words tasting bitter. "Just some junk mail."

She didn't believe me, but she nodded. "Alright. I'll be in the car."

I inhaled deeply, hoping to calm the wild drumming of my heart, but my pulse thrummed in my ears, refusing to quiet. The steady tick of the clock and the low hum of the refrigerator only served as a backdrop to the anxiety gnawing at my insides. Each tick felt like a countdown, a reminder that time was slipping through my fingers and that Andrew's threats were looming closer than ever. I looked down at the necklace Nathan had given me, the moonstone gleaming softly in the dim light, casting a fragile sense of comfort over my turmoil.

As I stepped outside, the crisp air hit me like a splash of cold water, filling my lungs with a refreshing chill. The scent of pine and damp earth lingered in the air, opposite to the oppressive fear that had taken root inside me. The sky stretched out above, an endless blue expanse that felt liberating and mocking.

Haley's car idled at the curb, its engine purring softly, waiting as I walked towards it, trying to project an air of calm I didn't feel. My steps felt heavier than usual as if I were wading through thick mud. The weight of the letter in my bag seemed to grow with every step, its presence a constant reminder of the danger I couldn't escape.

I slipped into the passenger seat, my fingers brushing against the cool leather as I settled in.

Haley glanced at me, her eyes searching my face for answers as she backed out. "So, do you want to tell me what that letter was about?"

I gripped the seat, my knuckles white. "It's nothing."

Haley's eyes darted to me, concern evident. "I can tell something's wrong."

She parked along the street outside Karen's Cafe, the familiar sight doing little to calm my nerves. I looked at Haley, her worry intensifying. "Please drop it, Hales."

She got out of the car and shut the door, coming around to face me. "No. You look scared."

She stopped in front of me, eyes searching mine. 

"I am," I admitted, voice trembling.

"You can tell me anything," Haley urged. "You know that."

I did know that. But this secret was different. I'd kept it for over a year, knowing that Andrew would hurt everyone I cared about if I spoke. He would take my daughter, the daughter I hid from him.

"Mylah, please," Haley's voice broke, desperate.

A tear slipped down my cheek. "He'll kill me."

"Who?" Haley's eyes widened in horror.

"Andrew."

"Your ex?" I could only nod. "Did he hurt you?"

Another tear fell. Haley pulled me into her arms, holding me tight as I shook with fear. I thought having Nathan in my life would make Andrew less of a threat, but I was wrong. 

So wrong.

Haley pulled back, wiping my tears. "Let me see the letter."

I sighed, knowing Haley wouldn't relent. I pulled the letter from my bag, handing it over tremblingly.

Haley's face went still as she read, her eyes darkening with each word. She looked up, her gaze fierce. "You need to call the police."

"I can't," I whispered, hugging myself.

"Why not?" Haley demanded.

"Because he's the governor's son."

...🏀...

I slammed the door open and stormed into Lucas's room, the thudding of my boots against the wooden floor echoing like the rumble of distant thunder. Lucas lounged on his bed, a novel in his hands, his posture relaxed and unaware. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a golden halo around him, but the scene's serenity did nothing to temper the fire inside me.

Lucas's eyes snapped up, widening in surprise as they met mine. He barely had time to register the storm I carried into the room. I didn't pause. My stride was swift and purposeful, fueled by anger and the thud of my heart echoing the rhythm of my steps. Each footfall was heavy with intent, each step shortening the distance between us. The novel slipped from Lucas's grasp, landing on the floor with a soft thud.

Without breaking my stride, I reached the edge of his bed and swung my hand with a force that mirrored my frustration, smacking the back of his head. The sharp sound of impact broke the stillness of the room, and I felt the reverberation of the strike run up my arm, satisfying and fierce.

"Hey! What the hell was that for?" Lucas rubbed the spot, glaring at me.

"You and Nathan have a heart condition? The same one Dan has?" My voice trembled with a mix of anger and fear.

Lucas sighed a long, weary sound. "Mylah..."

Before he could say more, Karen's voice rang out from another room. "Lucas Eugene Scott!"

I glanced at the doorway, then back at Lucas. His worried expression mirrored my own. "Oo, that sounds bad," he muttered.

"You think?" I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest.

Lucas looked at me, his mouth opening to say something, but he closed it with a sigh. The door swung open, and Karen entered, her face a mask of anger.

"Why would you lie to me?!" Karen's voice was sharp, accusatory.

"Yeah, get in line," I mumbled, still fuming.

"Mom, what are you talking about?" Lucas asked, though his guilty expression suggested he already knew.

"Dan's heart condition," Karen replied, her eyes flicking between us.

"It's genetic, isn't it?" I asked, looking at Lucas. He sighed and looked down, nodding slowly.

"Yes."

"Why did you lie?" I demanded, my voice softer now, tinged with worry.

"What kind of doctor doesn't call me?!" Karen exclaimed, throwing her hands up.

Lucas sat up in bed, placing his book aside. "Mom, I told him you were in Florence." He turned to me, his expression pleading. "You would just worry like you are now."

"Of course, I'm worried! You're my best friend, Luke," I said, my voice cracking. He looked away, unable to meet my eyes.

"Why? When there's a fifty percent chance you have a genetic heart defect!" Karen's voice rose again, frustration clear.

I crossed my arms tighter, fear swirling inside me. "Does Nathan—"

"No, he's... fine. He doesn't have it. He took the test," Lucas interrupted quickly, his tone firm.

"But you didn't?" Karen's hands found her hips, her stance rigid with anger.

I couldn't help but stare at Lucas like he had lost his mind. "Who told you? Both of you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hales," I answered simply.

Karen's eyes blazed. "You are taking that test."

"No! I'm not," Lucas shot back, defiance in his tone.

"Are you out of your mind?! How can you be so reckless and cavalier about a potentially fatal condition?!" Karen's voice was almost a shout, echoing through the room.

I shook my head, exasperated and scared for my best friend. "I'm going home. Have fun." I turned on my heel and left the room, leaving Lucas to face his mother's wrath alone.

...🏀...

Leila's eyes fluttered closed as I gently laid her down in the crib. I watched her for a moment, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath, and felt a pang of fierce protectiveness swell in my chest. This little girl, my daughter, was my entire world. I would do anything to keep her safe, anything to ensure that the darkness of my past never touched her.

As I sat on the edge of my bed, my mind drifted back to the letter from Andrew. His threats were like a shadow creeping into my thoughts, constantly reminding me of the danger that lurked beyond my reach. I glanced at the papers on my desk, the envelope buried beneath them, and shuddered. 

How could I protect everyone I cared about when no one could touch Andrew? 

My gaze shifted to the window, where the evening sun painted the sky in hues of gold and orange, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.

A knock on the door broke through my thoughts, and I looked up to see Nathan with a serious expression. The sight of him brought a mix of emotions—relief, fear, and love—each vying for attention in the chaotic whirlpool of my heart.

"We need to talk," Nathan said, his voice low and steady as he entered my room.

"Okay," I replied, my voice betraying the tension inside me.

Nathan took a deep breath, his blue eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my heart race. "So, when Lucas and I went on our trip—"

"I know, Nathan," I interrupted, bracing myself for what was coming.

"You do?" he asked, surprise flickering across his features.

I nodded. "I know that Dan's heart condition is genetic."

"How?" Nathan's voice was a mix of disbelief and concern.

"Lucas told me," I replied, crossing my arms as I studied him.

Nathan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't want you to worry."

He stepped closer, reaching for my hands and pulling me gently toward him. The warmth of his touch was comforting, but it couldn't dispel the storm swirling within me.

"I just wished you had told me," I said, my voice wavering with frustration and hurt.

"I know, and I'm sorry," Nathan murmured, his eyes filled with regret.

A wave of emotion surged through me, and I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill. The weight of Andrew's threat, the thought of losing Nathan—it all felt too much to bear. The very idea of Nathan not being in my life was like a knife twisting in my chest. But maybe it was the only way to keep him safe.

A tear slid down my cheek, unbidden and unwelcome.

Nathan reached up and gently wiped it away with his thumb. "Don't cry, Mylah. I'm sorry."

I shook my head, trying to find the words that seemed trapped in my throat. "It's not that."

The thought of losing Nathan because of my psycho ex-boyfriend terrified me, but what scared me more was the possibility of Nathan looking at me differently or deciding not to be with me once he learned the truth.

"Then what is it?" Nathan asked, his voice soft as he cupped my cheek.

His touch was tender, his eyes searching mine for answers I wasn't sure I was ready to give.

"There's something I need to tell you, but..." I hesitated, the fear of his reaction paralyzing me.

Nathan waited, his gaze steady and unwavering.

"...I'm scared you'll break my heart," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper.

Nathan shook his head, determination shining in his eyes. "I promise, whatever you tell me won't change a thing, Mylah. You mean everything to me."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words settle over me like a protective shield. Nathan moved his hand, gently gripping the back of my head. His touch ground me as I met his piercing blue eyes.

"I was raped," I confessed, the words escaping in a rush.

Silence hung between us, heavy and oppressive, as if the air had been sucked out of the room. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing the fear of what I had just revealed. 

There was no going back now.