When he saw me freeze, he didn’t stop there. He leaned closer, his voice laced with mockery.
"Remember when your parents were sent to prison? I saw you on your knees, begging for help. Even the media caught it on camera..."
"Stop it!" I screamed, shoving him away with all the strength I had left. Tears streamed down my face as I yelled hoarsely, "Get out! Just get out!"
Asher looked startled momentarily, unsure how to react to my outburst. But then anger flared in his eyes. He kicked at the pearls scattered on the floor and muttered through gritted teeth, "Emily Wilson, let’s see how long you can keep up this stubborn act."
And then, he slammed the door behind him, leaving me rooted to the spot.
Emily Wilson—that was my real name. He hadn’t called me that in years. It was not just a name; it was a warning. He was threatening to expose my past if I didn’t comply with him.
I thought of the promises he used to make.
‘Don’t worry, Emily,’ he had once said while holding me close. ‘I will protect you. I would not let anyone hurt you.’
Now, all he did was reopen old wounds, salting them for good measure.
***
That evening, Nora posted a photo on her social media—a romantic candlelit dinner.