Chapter 2

The sharp, sterile scent of disinfectants made it impossible to sleep.

When I finally opened my eyes, there he was, Bryce, sitting by my bedside, holding my hand like always.

I yanked my hand away. His face tightened into a frown.

“You’re awake.”

His voice was still soft, hoarse, but every horrifying moment from last night flashed through my mind—the blinding flashes, the mocking laughter, his cold, empty eyes…

“They made me release that video, Nyla. You have to understand… Even though I got into Mid Valley University and started a small business, I’m still nothing compared to them.”

“If I don’t play their game, how am I supposed to give you a better life?”

“All of this… it’s for us. For our future. We just have to hold on a little longer.”

His voice cracked, and a few tears slipped from his eyes.

But his words felt hollow, like a bitter lie coated in pity.

I shoved him away. “Stop it. I’m done believing your lies.”

I stared him down, steady and cold.

“Don’t forget—when I begged you for help, you did nothing.”

“Get out. I never want to see you again.”

Suddenly, he pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me against him.

“Nyla, don’t get so worked up. You’re carrying our baby.”

I froze. My hand instinctively moved to my stomach.

Four years. Four years together.

In that time, he got into Mid Valley University. I dropped out.

In that time, I became dependent on him—on everything he provided.

And now, there was a baby. Our baby. The symbol of our love.

Do I trust him? Can I afford not to?

I was too scared not to believe him.

Seeing my resistance soften, his voice lowered.

“Tomorrow’s my company’s product launch. Come with me, alright?”

I hesitated. “Who was that girl yesterday?”

“Oh, her? Amara Blythe.”

“She’s a college classmate, in charge of tech development. You two went to the same high school—don’t you remember?”

I frowned but didn’t press further.

He handed me a short low-cut dress. I blinked, uneasy.

“Is this… appropriate?”

“Relax. Nyla, you’ll look stunning in anything.”

At the launch.

I watched Bryce light up the stage, confident and commanding.

And me? I was still the girl delivering food at Mid Valley University.

I laughed bitterly at myself. How had I fallen so far from the proud girl I once was?

But at least… he loved me.

“Mr. Wilder, could you tell us what inspired this privacy-protection software?”

“I’ll answer for President Wilder.”

Amara took the mic, her smile polite but sharp.

“The idea came from President Wilder’s own experience. As many of you know, he was once a student at Mid Valley University. One day, after ordering takeout, he caught the attention of a delivery girl.”

“She started digging into his personal info, even paid to hack his phone, and wouldn’t stop harassing him.”

“She even got into trouble once for dressing too provocatively.”

“Is that right, Mr. Wilder?”

“Miss Blythe is correct. And that person is here with us today. Everyone, please direct your attention to the screen.”

Before I could react, my face flashed across the giant screen.