Chapter 26: Paranoia

I gazed at him in disbelief, hoping that perhaps he would feel guilty enough to let me go. His red, swollen eyes bore into me, reigniting my fear and triggering an instinctive urge to flee.

As I reached for the compartment door, he forcefully pulled me back, pinning me to the couch and tearing at my clothes. In a desperate attempt to defuse the situation, I pleaded with Devon, "I won't leave, but not here, okay? It's my fault."

The glass door to the compartment meant that anyone passing by could witness the disturbing scene unfolding inside.

With malice in his voice, Devon sneered, "You claimed to be dirty and unpleasant. Then I'll show you just how true that is, Aria. I've been too good to you, making you think highly of yourself and wanting to negotiate with me."

Balley approached upon hearing commotion, catching a glimpse of the distressing scene through the glass door. Despite his discomfort, he turned away, attempting to shield us from prying eyes.

As I lay beneath Devon, a sense of despair consumed me. The man before me seemed devoid of any compassion. When it was over, my dress lay in tatters, and Devon offered me his suit jacket, which provided some coverage.

Although the oversized suit concealed much of the damage, I cared little for my disheveled appearance and the marks on my neck. I hastily straightened my hair before stepping out of the compartment.

Balley regarded me with remorse, addressing me as "Ms. Sue." I responded calmly, "Let's go home."

Uncertain whether this tranquility was genuine or if Devon had shattered all my convictions, I pondered the life I had tried to build, now feeling like a cruel mockery.

Upon stepping outside, I discovered that it had been snowing. I mused to myself, "Once again, the pristine snow, unable to cleanse my tainted youth."

In that moment, what was there left to fear? Could anything be worse than this? I refused to believe that he could truly control me if I persisted in leaving, standing firm on my own two feet.