But one message caught my attention.
"Honestly, you deserve better. A guy like Russ has no heart. Where are you right now? Let me come keep you company."
I pressed my lips together. After a long moment, I typed back a single word.
[Okay.]
That night, Russ called.
His voice was slurred, but his words cut sharp.
"You really have no shame, do you? I told you—I'm with Chloe now. Why can't you just disappear?"
"And now you're working the angles? Going after my boys just to get to me?"
Chloe's voice came through next, syrupy with false hurt.
"Excuse me, but have some self-respect. I'm his girlfriend now. Learn your place and stop clinging to him."
"Besides, he's already bringing me to meet his parents. Stop lying to yourself."
Russ's voice, still thick with liquor: "That's right. I'm going to marry Chloe."
There was rustling on the line—muffled sounds I didn't want to interpret.
Then Russ again, voice dropping low, tender in a way I recognized.
"My family has strict rules. Harsh ones. But don't worry, baby—I'll never let them touch you."
"If they don't approve, I'll take you away. Anywhere. I won't let anyone make you suffer."
I ended the call.