Chapter 8
993 Words
For a period after that, my world shrank to a monotonous triangle: dormitory, studio, and library.
I changed to a new phone number, but Alexander Warren always managed to find it.
As a result, my phone held a long blacklist, containing only one name, which I repeatedly blocked using various formats.
The messages he sent, I deleted without even reading. The calls he made, I refused to answer altogether.
I was like a wounded animal, retreating into my nest, silently licking invisible wounds.
I poured all my energy into my studies, hoping to numb myself through heavy coursework and the scent of oil paint.
I began obsessively researching graduate programs at out-of-town art schools.
My goal was clear: leave New Moon City. Head for Parsons in New York, or the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, or any place far enough, far enough that Alexander Warren’s shadow can no longer envelop me.
This plan became my sole driving force in the darkness.
As for Liam, I hardened my heart and stopped replying to any of his messages.
I knew full well what this meant for someone as proud as him.
I thought he would give up and move on.
But I was wrong.
That evening, after finishing a day of classes, I was planning to get a latte from a nearby café when a familiar figure blocked my path.
“Ellie.”
It was Liam. He looked much more haggard, faint dark circles under his eyes, but those eyes were still bright and resolute.
“I thought you wouldn’t come looking for me again.” I lowered my head, avoiding his gaze.
“I’ve sent you hundreds of messages, and you didn’t respond to a single one.” His voice carried a trace of hurt. “Ellie, what’s going on? That man, what did he do to you?”
“Nothing happened,” I denied immediately, though my voice faltered. “He’s just... a distant elder from my family. He has a bad temper. Liam, it’s my personal matter.”
“I don’t believe you.” He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto mine. “If it’s just a family matter, you wouldn’t be like this. You’ve lost weight, Ellie. And you’re always by yourself. You weren’t like this before.”
His concern was like a needle, piercing through the facade of strength I had constructed. My eyes grew hot, and I quickly turned away. “Liam, stop asking. We’re not right for each other.”
“Why not?” He grabbed my arm from behind, turning me to face him, forcing me to look at him. “Is it because of that man? Because he’s rich and powerful, and I can’t protect you? Is that it?”
“No, it’s not that!”
“Then what is it?” he demanded, desperation seeping into his voice.
“It’s because I’m no longer worthy of you.” The words came out, draining all the energy from me.
I felt unclean, no longer the pure, innocent girl who could walk beside him under the sunlight.
“Don’t say something so stupid!” Liam’s expression was a mix of pain and anger. “Ellie, I don’t care what happened. I just want to be with you. We’ll face it together, alright?”
Looking at his earnest, pained face, my resolve wavered. Maybe I could tell him? Maybe he really could help me?
“Liam, I—”
He saw my hesitation, gripping my shoulders firmly, speaking with urgency. “Ellie, I don’t want to break up. Don’t say those words. I’m begging you!”
His plea surged over me like a tide, breaking the last barrier in my heart.
I remained silent, unsure of how to respond.
He mistook my silence for acquiescence. A trace of happiness appeared on his face as he opened his arms and pulled me into a tight embrace, as if he wanted to merge me into his being.
“I won’t give up on you, Ellie. Never.” He whispered softly by my ear.
Leaning against his warm chest, I temporarily forgot all my fears and unease.
But just then, a sharp honk shattered the silence.
“Beep—beep—”
The sound, like a sharp blade, instantly tore through the peace of the street corner.
I froze, lifting my head from Liam’s embrace.
A black Land Rover Range Rover had quietly stopped at the corner not far away.
That imposing vehicle was something I could never forget in my lifetime.
The car window slowly rolled down, revealing Alexander Warren’s frighteningly grim face.
He didn’t speak, but his eyes glared at me and Liam, especially at the way we were tightly embracing.
That gaze was no longer cold or scrutinizing—it was filled with violence, an impending madness that seemed ready to destroy everything. It felt as though he wanted to devour us alive.
“Ah—” I let out a short scream, instantly pushing Liam away.
My mind went blank, with only one instinct left: to escape.
“Run!” I grabbed the still-stunned Liam and took off, as if fleeing a demon that had crawled out of hell.
We dashed into a narrow alley nearby, racing forward without daring to look back.
Behind us, Alexander Warren didn’t chase.
He simply sat in his car, quietly watching our panicked escape. His eyes were bloodthirsty and terrifying, his brows furrowed, and his entire demeanor exuded a hellish chill.
He picked up his phone, staring at the long string of missed calls, then glanced at the two figures that had disappeared at the alley’s entrance. A cruel, cold smile curved at the corner of his lips.
Ignoring my calls, not replying to my messages, blocking all my contacts—so it was just to cuddle with this young man here.
Fine. Very well!
Ellie Stewart.
When I catch you, let’s see if your mouth stays so stubborn!
- Writer
