Chapter 6: Love, Betrayal, and Abduction

When persuasion failed, they sent someone I couldn’t refuse:

Chris Evans.

My childhood friend, and the boy I’ve always loved but could never have.

He showed up outside the library, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets, looking nervous. My heart skipped a beat, old feelings bubbling up, but I pushed them down. I knew why he was here.

"Maddie, please, give Lila back to me."

His voice was soft, pleading. He looked at me with those blue eyes, the same ones that used to make me feel safe. Now they just made me feel small.

"What? What do you mean, your Lila?"

The words caught in my throat, my voice thin and shaky. I tried to keep my cool, but my hands trembled.

A chill ran up my spine. My own voice sounded weak and shaky.

It was like ice water running through my veins. I hugged my arms around myself, trying to stop the shaking.

Chris didn’t seem to notice. "Maddie, I’ve known about you and Lila for a long time. I know you won’t agree, so I’m begging you. I can’t live without her. You’ve had so many years, but Lila died so young. She’s only had your body for three years—she could disappear at any time. The thought of losing her makes it hard to breathe. So I’m begging you, just agree with your parents. That way, your body and Lila’s soul will be one. Isn’t that good? Why are you being so selfish?"

His words tumbled out in a rush, desperate and raw. He reached for my hand, his grip tight and sweaty. I pulled away, my heart pounding.

I was too stunned to believe my ears.

I stared at him, searching for the boy I used to know. He looked different—older, harder. I realized he wasn’t here for me. He never had been.

Chris went on, "We grew up together. I’ve never asked you for anything. I’m asking now—do you want me to get on my knees?"

He dropped to the ground, right there on the sidewalk, not caring who saw. My stomach twisted. This wasn’t the Chris I remembered.

He actually knelt down.

People passing by slowed, staring at the scene. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and fear. I tried to pull him up, but he wouldn’t budge.

My hands shook as I tried to pull him up, but he suddenly grabbed me, his eyes red. "Maddie, just say yes!"

His fingers dug into my arms, his eyes wild and glassy. I tried to yank free, panic rising in my chest.

He scared me. I tried to break free, but I couldn’t. Terrified, I just blurted out—

"You’re here to force me to die, too! Well, forget it—I won’t die. If anyone should go, it’s Lila."

The words exploded out of me, sharp and reckless. I regretted them instantly, but it was too late.

The moment I said it, I regretted it. I shouldn’t have let my anger put me in danger.

Chris’s grip tightened. I saw something dark flicker in his eyes. My heart raced, my breath coming in short gasps.

Chris’s handsome face twisted with rage. He glared at me, voice cold: "If that’s how it is, don’t blame me. I can’t lose Lila."

His voice was icy, every word a threat. I tried to scream, but he was faster.

The next second, a large, sweaty hand clamped over my mouth.

I struggled, kicking and clawing, but he was too strong. The world spun, my vision blurring at the edges.

We were tucked away in some secluded corner of campus. No matter how hard I fought, no one was coming.

In the end, darkness swallowed me.

My limbs went limp, the world fading to black. The last thing I heard was Chris whispering my name.

Chris looked down at me, unconscious in his arms. For a second, guilt flickered in his eyes. "Sorry, Maddie. If I can, I’ll repay you in the next life."

He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his expression softening for a moment. Then he hoisted me up and hurried toward the parking lot, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one saw.

He quickly carried me out of campus and into a car.

The engine started with a low rumble. The city lights blurred past as he drove, his jaw set, eyes fixed on the road ahead.