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Chapter 43 - You have me,., even if you hate me

Y/n POV

We stepped into the living room.

James: "Hey, do you want some hot chocolate?" he ask

I smiled. "Yeah."

James: "Then go get changed. I'll make something for you."he looked at my dress oh yeah this uncomfortable

He headed into the kitchen, and just as I turned to go change, the doorbell rang. I paused, walked over, and opened the door—Kay was standing there.

Y/N: "Hey." I smiled, a little surprised.

Kay: "Hey. I actually just saw you and thought I'd say hello, at least." He smiled back at me.

Y/N: "Yeah, actually… did you know Emma got engaged today? I just came from the event."i said

Kay: "Really? Oh, that's nice! Where is she now?"he said

Y/N: "She's spending time with her family and her fiancé."

Kay: "Ah, I was thinking of congratulating her."

Y/N: "You can call her if you want." I suggested.

Kay: "Yeah… I might do that. So, are you living alone right now?"

Y/N: "Ah, no. My friend James is here for a few days." I saw a anger in his eyes for a second

Kay: "Okay. Are you feeling okay now?"

Y/N: "Yeah, I-I'm fine. But hey, I was actually planning to meet you tomorrow."

Kay: . "Really? I'd love that!"His eyes lit up a bit he smile

Y/N: "Yeah… are you free tomorrow?"

Kay: "Yes. Where do you want to meet?"he ask smiling

Y/N: "I'll come over to your grandma's house in the afternoon."i smile at him

He nodded, studying my face a little.

Kay: "Is everything alright?" I nodded

Y/N: "Yeah, yeah. Just been having some nightmares… and a bit of anxiety, that's all."

Kay: "Oh…y/n-"

Before he could say more, James walked in from the kitchen, holding two mugs of hot chocolate.

James: "Hey, here's your— Oh. Who are you talking to?"

He stepped forward and saw Kay at the door, his expression shifting slightly.

Y/N: "Oh! James, this is Kay. He's a doctor. Kay, this is James, my friend."

They exchanged a short, polite nod.

Kay: "Nice to meet you." Kay smile at James

James: "Yeah. You too." His voice was calm, but something in his eyes tightened just a little.

Kay: "Well, I should get going. Bye." I nodded

Y/N: "Okay. See you tomorrow."

Kay gave me a small smile and left. I closed the door and locked it. We headed back into the kitchen.

James: "Here, take this." He handed me a cup of hot chocolate. And smile at me

Y/N: "Thank you."i said

We sat and drank quietly for a while. The warmth of the drink helped soothe my nerves, and the silence between us was comfortable.

After a bit, we both stood up, ready to wind down for the night.

Y/N: "I should take a bath."

James: "Me too… You go first. I'll wait about fifteen minutes."

I nodded and headed to my room. The warm water in the bath felt amazing as it touched my skin.

Y/N: "Ahh, so relaxing," I murmured to myself, letting the tension melt away.

After soaking for a while, I got out, dried off, and changed into a soft T-shirt and sweatpants.

Suddenly, the lights went out.

My room was swallowed in complete darkness. I froze.

And then—I saw it. A shadowy figure, lying on my bed.

Y/N: "Wh–who are you?"

???: "Miss me, baby?"

My heart raced.

Y/N: "S-stupid thief..." I backed away, my voice shaking.

He chuckled lowly.

???: "I told you… call me love."

I turned to run for the door, but it was locked. Before I could react, I felt his presence—he was already behind me.

???: "Don't try to run, Y/N."

Y/N: "I-I'll scream! James is g—"

???: laughing darkly "That kid's sleeping. You know why?"

I turned to look at him. His face was hidden behind a black mask.

???: "I put sleeping pills in his hot chocolate."

My breath caught. Shock flooded me.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into a tight hug.

???: "Mmm… I missed this. So much."

That was it. I couldn't take it anymore.

Y/N: "Don't touch me!" I screamed, tears starting to fall from my eyes.

???: softly "Why are you crying?"

Y/N: "Because of my life!" I collapsed to the ground, sobbing.

He crouched down beside me, his voice suddenly gentler.

???: "What do you mean?"

Y/N: through tears "My life's a mess... I don't want to live anymore. Just… kill me. Just kill me already."

Before I could finish the sentence—he grabbed my face and kissed me. Roughly. Possessively.

???: "Don't you dare say that again."

Y/N: "What do you want? Why are you people doing this to me?!" I shoved him back with all the strength I had.

???: "I'm sorry… I'm so, so sorry." His voice broke as he pulled me into a hug.

Y/N: "Do you even know what I've been through?"

He leaned in and kissed my forehead, gently, almost reverently.

Y/N: "I've been bullied. Harassed. Tortured. And now I'm completely messed up… I don't want to live like this anymore."

Suddenly, I broke down and hugged him tightly, as if letting go would tear me apart.

???: "Baby, don't say that. You have me."

Y/N: "You were part of the reason I'm like this…" My voice was barely a whisper.

???: "Please… don't say that." He held me tighter, his tone desperate.

Y/N: "I'm just tired… so tired of everything." I sob

He gently picked me up and laid me down on the bed. Then, without a word, he crawled in beside me, wrapping his arms around me like he was afraid I'd disappear.

???: "You're special to me, Y/N. I'll always protect you."he said

I sighed, still shaking a little—but for the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of comfort.

He pulled me closer, gently guiding my head to his chest. I closed my eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

???: I love y/n I always loved you " I heard him said

And slowly… I fell asleep.

_________

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