He Bet I’d Never Leave Him

Chapter 3

I had just forced the last down jacket into my suitcase when my phone erupted with a barrage of messages.

Elias: Chloe, this is your last chance. Apologize to Camille, and I'll form a mate bond with you.

Whenever Camille and I fought, Elias always made me apologize first.

He dangled the promise of a mate bond over my head like a prize, and every time before this, I had given in because I was terrified of losing him.

This time, I didn't respond.

I deleted the messages.

With a heavy heart, I informed my dance instructor that I would no longer be able to compete.

A moment later, she called me.

"Chloe, missing one competition isn't the end of the world. The Polar Dance Troupe happens to be looking for a new lead dancer. The only catch is that you'd have to train there for three years. Do you think you can handle that?"

My eyes stung with tears.

"Yes," I whispered.

"Good," she said without hesitation. "I've already arranged everything. The recommendation letter should have arrived by now."

Becoming a lead dancer had always been my dream.

After my mother died, my stepfather shoved me down the stairs in an attempt to steal my inheritance, leaving me with a badly injured leg.

Elias had carried me on his back all the way to the hospital.

Camille had stayed beside me night after night, refusing to leave.

They were there throughout my recovery, massaging my aching muscles and making meals to help me regain my strength.

Eventually, I returned to the stage and won my first dance trophy.

I would never forget the sight of them sobbing in the audience.

"Chloe, you're so beautiful when you shine."

That memory was the reason I had swallowed my grievances again and again, always convincing myself that they were only joking.

But today, the Suppressant they slipped into my system had nearly cost me my life.

Only then did I finally understand.

Whatever kindness they had shown me in the past did not give them the right to hurt me now.

I carefully tucked my instructor's recommendation letter away and opened the door.

Elias and Camille were standing outside.

The moment Elias saw the suitcase in my hand, disbelief flashed across his face.

"You ignored my messages. What exactly are you trying to do?"

Camille shot him a smug look.

"I told you she was angry, but you didn't believe me. Looks like I win again."

Elias shook his head with the same indulgent smile and reached for my suitcase.

"All right, Chloe. You've made me lose another bet. That's enough of these little attempts to run away."

I pulled the suitcase out of his reach.

"Don't touch it."

Camille burst out laughing.

"Elias, please. As if Chloe could ever leave you. I bet the suitcase is empty."

Before I could stop her, she snatched it from my hand and hurled it against the wall.

A sharp c***k split the air.

The suitcase burst open, spilling my clothes across the floor.

My recommendation letter was caught in the torn lining.

Panic seized my chest.