Chapter 7: Shattered Illusions, Shattered Heart

The next day, I suddenly received a delivery notification.

I groaned, thinking it was another bouquet. But when I opened the box, my face went bright red.

It turned out to be a package I’d ordered ages ago—lingerie and little gifts I’d bought for Chase.

I’d forgotten all about it. Of course, the timing couldn’t be worse.

Delivery had been delayed for some reason and only just arrived.

I checked the tracking, cursing under my breath. Of course it would show up now.

I felt my stomach drop.

If Chase saw what was inside, he’d definitely think I wanted to get back together.

My cheeks burned. I needed to get it back before he opened it.

So I rushed over to his place.

I barely remembered to grab my keys. My heart pounded the whole drive over.

Suddenly, scrolling comments appeared:

[Ahhh, the main couple is finally going to get together!]

[The heroine gets jealous over the package the side character sent, and the hero puts on a collar to please her. So hot!]

[Their first time and they’re already unlocking the dining table, the balcony, the bathroom mirror…]

[Just thinking about it is so exciting, I’m about to combust.]

I rolled my eyes, but my heart hammered. Was I really about to walk into another disaster?

My hand paused mid-knock, my heart caught in an invisible net.

I hesitated, second-guessing myself. Was I doing the right thing?

I turned and walked away quickly, but Chase’s words echoed in my mind.

I made it halfway down the hall. Then stopped, my mind spinning.

“But compared to dying, I’m more afraid of losing you.”

His voice echoed in my head, softer and more desperate than I remembered.

Thinking about how messed up everything’s been, I walked back to his door.

I squared my shoulders, determined to get answers. I deserved at least that much.

Chase, what’s real? Can I trust you?

I whispered the words under my breath, steeling myself for whatever I might find.

I entered the password and opened the door—

The familiar beep sounded. I stepped inside, nerves on edge.

Scattered clothes littered the floor. From the bedroom—moans. A woman’s moans.

I froze, the sound hitting me like a slap. My vision blurred, the world tilting on its axis.

“Chase… mm, I can’t take it anymore…”

The words were breathy, intimate. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut.

My nails dug into my palm. Pain spread from my chest to my ribs, like someone was snapping them, one by one.

The pain was sharp, suffocating. I pressed a hand to my heart, trying to hold myself together.

That last bit of hope I’d been holding onto was finally, completely shattered.

I stood there, frozen. Then turned and walked out. Didn’t look back. Couldn’t. Not anymore.