chapter 2
1264 Words
Chapter 2
At least my day didn’t go as badly as I thought.
I didn’t wait until the official closing hour before leaving work. I needed to get out, breathe, remind myself there was life beyond the office walls.
At least this time I wasn't going to be question.
I stopped by a grocery store to pick up some food to cook for Marcus. Today was Valentine’s Day—and, coincidentally, my boyfriend’s birthday. I wanted to surprise him.
Marcus had been my rock since I lost my parents. Though he struggled financially, and I helped him when I could, he was one of a kind.
I smiled as I remembered the night I couldn't stop crying after my parents' funeral. Marcus had slept on my tiny sofa because he refused to leave me alone.I wanted to make this day special for him.
The Uber driver stopped outside my building. I paid him and stepped inside.
“What’s that noise? I hope Betty isn’t having another party in our room,” I muttered.
Betty was my roommate. After my parents died and my siblings were taken by my uncle, I couldn’t live alone. Moving in with Betty was the only option.and since then we have lived like siblings.
“Come on, Elena, get dressed! They’ll be here any minute,” Betty said, barging in before I could close the door.
“Who’s coming?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Jaden and his team. I invited them for our house party, and they said yes!” Betty’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Betty was obsessed with Jaden. He was a basketball star in high school before an injury forced him to switch careers—now he was a musician and some how more successful. This was probably the hundredth time she’d invited them over. I guess they finally agreed.
“I’m not staying for the party,” I said firmly.
“You’re joking, right?” Betty laughed.
“No, I’m serious. Today is Marcus’s birthday, and I want to surprise him. I’d love to stay, but…” My voice trailed off.
I knew I hurt her feelings, but I had to do what was right for me.
“It’s fine. Maybe some other time. So, what dress are you wearing to see him?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” I said, forcing a smile. I wasn’t great at dressing up like Betty. She had the perfect body for it. And she somehow looked good in everything she wore.
“Okay, let’s see what you’ve got,” Betty said, rummaging through my wardrobe.
“You don’t really have a nice dress, do you?” she teased.
I pointed at a pink gown. “I think I’ll wear that one.”
That was my favorite dress the last gift I got from my mother.
“No, no, no. I can’t let you wear that,” she said, biting her lip thoughtfully. Then she moved to her own wardrobe. “You’ll wear this.”
“No way,” I muttered.
It was a red, see-through gown. It wouldn't even cover my back.There was no way I was wearing something like that.
“It’s not bad. Besides, it’s night. It’ll cling to your body and show off those curves,” she said with a grin.
I sighed and took the dress.
She turned away so I could change.
I peeled off my dress and slipped into the gown. It wasn’t really a dress—it was more like a robe. I could see the outline of my underwear through the fabric, and my cleavage was exposed.
“Wow, you look beautiful in that. He won’t be able to resist you,” Betty said approvingly.
Maybe she was right.
Tonight wasn't just Marcus's birthday. It was the night I had planned to give him every part of my heart.
Maybe wearing something bold wasn't such a bad idea after all.
She handed me her makeup box.
I applied light makeup and borrowed some of her perfume.
The guests started arriving. I noticed the way Jaden looked at me. But it was too late—I was already taken.
I glanced toward Betty, who was busy entertaining her guests. I didn't want to spoil her fun so I left.
---
The Uber pulled up at Marcus’s place.
My heart raced.
Tonight was supposed to be the beginning of our future together.
I had waited for this day. I even shaved. My body longed for his touch.
Rain had already started drizzling, tonight would be perfect.
The door was locked, but Marcus had shared his unlock code with me.
I entered.
The hallway was scattered with what looked like female underwear.
My stomach tightened.
I wished this was a mistake. Maybe I was in the wrong place.
I moved past the doorway and finally reached his room. The door was half open.
I pushed the door open.
My world stopped.
Marcus.
The man I loved.
Buried between another woman's thighs.
I stood frozen, watching as he praised her beauty. He even denied having a girlfriend.
She moaned softly as he stroked her.
Our eyes met for a second.
Fear flickered across his face. For a moment, he looked sorry.
I could smell his cologne on her skin.
"Elena..."
My name cracked from Marcus's lips.
I watched him jerk away from the woman, scrambling off the bed as he reached blindly for his trousers.
"This isn't—"
I didn't stay long enough to hear the rest.
My vision blurred with tears as I turned and ran. I heard him calling after me, but I couldn't bring myself to look back. Every step felt heavier than the last, as though the life I'd imagined with him had shattered beneath my feet.
---
When I got home, the party was still on, but I couldn’t find Betty. Maybe she was somewhere hooking up with Jaden. She was that lucky.
The thought from earlier still didn’t leave my head—the way he had her, the way she moaned.
Why did Marcus do this to me?
I thought he loved me. Why did he lie to me .
I guess he was only here because of the money I used to give him.
I felt stupid.
I watched as young couples danced and kissed. For a moment, I wished it was me.
I stared at my phone.
Marcus had called fourteen times.
I ignored every one. If he cared about my feelings he wouldn't have hurt them.
Then my eyes drifted to Maria's business card.
It laid untouched on the table.
Maybe I had nothing left to lose
My life was already a mess.
Maybe it was time I made a bold step.
I took my phone and called Maria.
“I’ll take the assignment,” I said.
“Are you sure?” Maria’s voice trembled through the speaker. She no longer sounded like the confident woman from earlier.
“I’m sure, ma’am,” I whispered, my voice lower than I expected.
“If you’ve made up your mind, report to this address tomorrow. After that, there’s no turning back,” she said.
—
Betty didn't come back that night.
I hope she was safe .
That night, I lay awake, heart pounding.
I was about to step into a world I barely understood—a world of danger, secrets, and shadows.
But I had made my choice.
For my family.
For myself..
Tomorrow, I would either become the journalist who exposed a monster...
...or the eighth woman to disappear.
- Writer
