Chapter 111

I stared at the note, my fingers trembling. My heart pounded so violently I feared it might crack my ribs. Fear coiled in my stomach like a venomous snake. This was the third threat.

I had just returned from dropping Liam at school when I spotted the small box on my doorstep, wrapped in a crimson bow. For a fleeting moment, I thought it was a gift—until I lifted the lid and found the dead rat inside, the note resting beside it like a cruel joke.

Panic clawed at my throat. The threats were escalating.

I dumped the box and its grotesque contents into the trash before snatching my phone and dialing Damian. I prayed he had answers. That somehow, against all odds, he’d uncovered who was behind this.

He answered on the second ring, his voice rough, like gravel. "Sophia."

"Please tell me you have something," I begged, my voice cracking.

I knew I sounded rude, but terror had stripped me of pleasantries. Every stranger on the street, every accidental brush of shoulders in a store—my mind twisted them into potential threats.

I hadn’t told my family. Didn’t want to drag them into this nightmare. But if this continued, I’d have no choice. The police, my friends—anyone who could help.

"Sorry, Sophia. Nothing solid. Every lead’s gone cold," he admitted, regret heavy in his tone.

I wanted to scream. To curse the universe. But rage wouldn’t solve this. I needed answers. Because deep down, I knew—something terrible was coming.

"How is that possible?" My voice shook. "This time, it was a dead rat, Damian. I’m terrified. Fucking terrified."

Tears spilled over despite my efforts to hold them back, soaking the collar of my blouse.

"I’m doing everything I can," he said softly.

Something about his words snapped the last thread of my composure. Anger surged, white-hot and blinding.

"Then do more!" I shrieked, the sound bouncing off the walls.

"Sophia." His voice was sharp, and I froze, deflating instantly.

"I’m sorry," I whispered, shame flooding me. "I didn’t mean to—I’m just… losing it."

He exhaled. "I get it. But listen to me—nothing’s going to happen to you. I won’t let it."

I didn’t respond. How could I, when every instinct screamed that disaster was coming?

"Let me make some calls. I’ll update you," he added when my silence stretched.

"Okay."

I hung up without another word.

Slumping onto a kitchen stool, I glared at the trash bin. My thoughts spiraled—endless, suffocating. Sleep had become a stranger. When I did drift off, nightmares swallowed me whole—visions of Liam and me, lifeless.

Between the threats and Ethan’s sudden confession of love days ago, my mind was a battlefield.

Restless, I jumped up and paced. I needed a distraction before I shattered completely.

After minutes of frantic steps, I called Amelia. No answer. I tried again—same result. Maybe she was busy.

Next, Natalie. She picked up on the third ring.

"Hey, love. You okay?" Her voice was distracted.

"Fine. Want to go shopping?" I asked, desperate. I didn’t need anything, but I needed out of my head.

"Sorry, hun. Swamped today. Thursday? I’ll clear my schedule."

Disappointment bit, but I understood. "No worries. Thursday’s perfect."

After we hung up, I scanned the kitchen. Staying here until Liam returned was unbearable.

Grabbing my purse and keys, I fled. Ice cream. That would help.

The drive passed in a blur.

I parked across from the shop and ordered a massive sundae. If my brain wouldn’t shut up, I’d numb it with sugar and cold.

For two blissful hours, I lost myself in blueberry swirl and vanilla, flipping through a borrowed book. The calm was fleeting but precious.

As I paid, unease prickled my skin. A warning. Stay inside.

I ignored it.

Big mistake.

The screech of tires. Gunshots.

Screams. Pain.

Then—nothing.