BAIT🥹

THE DAY AFTER THE DARKNESS

The house was quiet when Sophia slipped through the back door. She kept her head down, avoiding every mirror, every window, anything that could show her the girl she no longer recognized. Her steps were slow and shaky, her breath unsteady. She had cried so much that her eyelids were swollen, and her throat burned.

She didn’t want anyone to see her like this—not even Adams.

But Adams always noticed everything.

Her room was small, barely wide enough for the narrow bed, a tiny dresser, and a cracked window that whistled whenever wind blew. She closed the door softly and collapsed on the bed. The room felt colder than usual, but she didn’t bother reaching for her blanket. She curled into a ball, hugging her knees, letting tears leak out silently.

Minutes passed. Maybe hours. She didn’t know.

The front door opened.

Heavy footsteps entered the house—familiar footsteps. Strong. Steady.

Adams.

“Soph?” His voice echoed through the hallway, warm and deep. “I’m back. You home?”

She froze, holding her breath.

He called again, closer this time. “Sophie?”

She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping he wouldn’t knock. Hoping he would think she was sleeping.

But Adams had known her since they were six years old. He could sense her sadness even through walls.

The knock came, gentle but certain.

“Sophia… open the door. Please.”

Her chest tightened. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but it hurt. She wiped her face quickly and forced herself to speak.

“It’s open.”

The door opened slowly, and Adams stepped inside.

For a moment, he simply looked at her. His tall frame filled the doorway, and the worry in his eyes was immediate. Adams never panicked, but the look on her face made him step forward quickly.

“Soph… what happened?” he whispered.

She shook her head, unable to find the words. Her lips trembled, and tears spilled again. Adams didn’t hesitate. He dropped to his knees beside the bed, cupping her face gently.

“Talk to me. Please.”

And just like that, everything she had been holding in collapsed.

“Adams…” Her voice broke. “Someone… someone hurt me.”

His expression changed instantly—his eyes sharpened, his jaw tightened, and anger flickered like fire beneath his calm exterior. But he stayed gentle with her, brushing a hand through her hair.

“What do you mean? Who hurt you?” he asked softly, though his voice trembled with fury.

She took a shaky breath.

“I—I woke up in… a hotel room,” she whispered. “I don’t know how I got there. My dress was torn, and… and there was blood. Adams… I think—I think someone r***d me.”

His entire body went still. “What?”

Her voice quivered as she continued, her tears soaking the sheets.

“I don’t know who did it. I don’t remember anything. I was in so much pain… and… and they left money beside me, Adams. A whole bundle of money. Like—like I was—”

She broke down before she could finish the sentence. Adams didn’t let her collapse alone. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.

“Sophia,” he whispered, voice cracking, “you’re not… don’t even say that. You’re not any of those things. You were hurt. You were taken advantage of. None of this is your fault.”

She sobbed into his shirt, clinging to him like a child. “Adams… I didn’t want this. This wasn’t how I wanted to lose my virginity.”

“I know,” he murmured. “I know, Soph.”

She cried for a long time, and Adams didn’t move. He didn’t rush her. He didn’t ask more questions. He just held her, letting her release every ounce of pain she had been carrying.

When her tears slowed, he finally spoke again.

“Sophia… where was Amber?” His voice was calm, but she could hear the suspicion in it.

Sophia shook her head. “I don’t know. I can’t find her. Her phone is off. I haven’t seen her since last night.”

His eyes darkened. “I’ve told you that girl wasn’t good for you. I’ve been telling you since the first day.”

“I know…” she whispered weakly.

He sighed deeply. “Soph, I’m sorry. I wish I had gone with you. I should have been there.”

“No… you had practice. And you told me not to go. I didn’t listen.”

“That doesn’t matter. You’re my best friend. I should have protected you.”

A painful silence settled between them.

Then Adams moved back slightly, holding her shoulders and looking her in the eyes.

“I’ve known you my whole life, Sophia. Since the orphanage. Since we slept on the same hard mattress on cold nights. Since we got separated by foster families. Since you got stuck with those people who treated you like trash.” His voice shook with emotion. “Through all of it… you survived. You’re the strongest girl I know.”

She looked at him, tears returning. “I don’t feel strong right now.”

“That’s okay,” he whispered. “Then let me be strong for you.”

She lowered her gaze, fingers twisting nervously. “Adams… I took the money.”

He nodded. “Good.”

She blinked. “Good?”

“Yes.” His voice was deep with conviction. “You take everything from that monster who hurt you. You survived him. He didn’t break you. He tried… but he failed.”

Sophia’s lips trembled. She hadn’t expected that.

Adams took her hands gently. “Sophia… listen to me. I don’t care how much money he left. I care about you. And whoever did this—he will not get away with it.”

She shook her head quickly. “No, Adams. Please don’t do anything reckless. Please… I’m scared.”

He softened. “Okay. I won’t do anything. Not now. Not without you.”

She exhaled shakily.

“But promise me something,” he whispered.

“What?”

“Don’t hide from me. Don’t push me away. Let me help you. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Her voice broke again. “Adams… thank you.”

“For what?”

“For staying. For always staying.”

He gave her a small, soft smile. “I’m not going anywhere, Sophia. Not now. Not ever.”

She leaned into him again, and he held her tightly, as if trying to piece her broken parts back together with his arms.

For the first time since waking up in that strange room, Sophia felt a little less alone.