Chapter 2

Ding ding ding...

My phone rang just as Anthony shed his harmless disguise and began to eye me with a predatory gaze.

I quickly dropped the second piece of Mille-feuille and answered the call.

"The club has an event tomorrow. Can I come by puck you up to help set up?"

Keith's voice felt like a lifeline, bringing me relief. I immediately agreed.

After hanging up, I realized my palms were covered in cold sweat.

I didn't even notice when Anthony had moved closer and sat beside me.

Suddenly, his strong arms wrapped around me.

"Eliza, I really like you," he said, resting his head on my shoulder and sounding a little aggrieved. "Can't you give me a chance?"

I swallowed hard, too scared to move.

"Keith's about to be downstairs. Let's talk later..."

"Keith Portillo?"

His arms tightened around me.

I tried to push him away, but he suddenly grabbed my neck and forcefully pushed me down onto the couch.

"I can't take it anymore. You're always so close to him. Do you like him?"

I thought, "You are the same to me."

"No, he's just a friend. Get off me."

Before I even finished speaking, a violent kiss shocked me into silence.

I struggled with all my strength, but he didn't move an inch.

I was about to suffocate when he finally pulled back.

"Eliza, I've been chasing you for so long, but you still don't like me...

"What should I do with you?"