Chapter 6 The Confession

Mia

My blood ran cold as I glanced through the message over and over, the words blurring together as my heart pounded heavily in my chest.

There was no name. No signature. But I knew exactly who it was from.

“Everything okay?”

Charlotte's voice cut through my spinning thoughts, and I nearly dropped my phone. I shoved it into my back pocket so fast I almost missed the pocket entirely.

“Yeah. Fine. Just... my mom.” The lie came out too quickly, too smoothly. “She's, um, reminding me about dinner.”

Charlotte tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Your mom? Since when does she text you like that? You usually just call her.”

“She actually just got a new phone, so she's been experimenting with emojis and stuff.” I forced a laugh that sounded fake even to my own ears. “It's actually kind of cute, but also really annoying.”

She studied me for quite a moment longer, and I could practically see the doubt creeping up her face. But then she shrugged, apparently deciding to let it go.

“Anyways, as I was saying…”

She had barely finished the sentence when I cut in sharply. “I'm sorry Charlotte but I… I have to leave now. Don't wanna keep my mom waiting. Catch you some other time.”

“Hey, come on! We barely just closed for the day.” She called out, but it was too late as I had already zoomed off without as much as a second glance back.

I got home right on time to find the house unusually quiet and empty. A small, triumphant smile settled across my lips as I hurried over to my room.

Perfect timing!

At least this way, no one would corner me with a dozen questions about where I was headed.

I knew I shouldn't be doing this. But I didn't have a choice. I needed to stand in front of Chase, look him in the eye, and tell him I was done—done with whatever pathetic game he thought he was playing.

I had a quick shower and picked out a simple dress afterwards. It was nothing too flashy, no revealing necklines, but still modern and classy, so I didn't end up looking like a shadow of myself.

I glanced at the clock after getting ready and realized I still had three hours to the time Chase had given.

But I didn't care.

I needed to leave right now and get this over with already… before anyone else found out what was going on.

~~~

As soon as I stepped into the male dormitory suite, I straightened my shoulders and walked in with calm confidence—like I had done this a thousand times before.

I kept my head high, my eyes scanning for the dorm number Chase had texted me earlier.

When I finally spotted it, I let out a deep breath before reaching out to knock.

There was no response at first. But after a few persistent knocks, the door creaked open.

Chase stood there, shirtless, looking like he had just rolled out of bed.

His face broke into a wide grin, like he was almost surprised to see me. “Hey!” He said, his voice low and warm, stepping back to let me in. “Didn't think you'd get here this fast.”

“Well I just wanted us to talk.” I replied, my voice sharper than I intended as I walked past him, unable to meet his gaze.

His eyes narrowed. “Oh really?” He circled me slowly, his hands settling on my shoulders. “Of course we can talk. At least now we have the whole room all to ourselves.”

He pulled me closer, but I stepped back, keeping just enough distance between us.

“Chase, this isn’t why I’m here.” I blurted out, unable to hold it back in. “I came here just for one reason… to let you know that I'm done with your little deal. I can't bring myself to betray my brother’s trust… all because of you. Please. For my own sanity, I need you to cut all contact with me—no texts, no calls, and definitely no stalking me anymore.”

He rolled his eyes, but didn't say a word. Instead, he let out a ridiculous, wheezing laugh—like I had just told the funniest joke in the world.

"Oh, come on, darling." He finally muttered, still chuckling. "You're joking, right?”

"I'm serious, Chase." I shot back, my face twisting with disgust. "This isn't a joke, and I'd honestly appreciate it if you'd take it seriously. I guess we're done here.”

I turned towards the door, but his hand caught mine in a flash, pulling me back.

"I see you're really serious about this," he said, his fingers brushing slowly along my jaw, tilting my face closer to his. “Well unfortunately, sweetheart, the deal is already sealed. There's no backing out now.”

Before I could react, he walked to the door, twisted the lock, and turned back to me with a smirk that made my skin crawl.

Fear crawled up my spine.

I stepped back instinctively, but he closed the distance fast, his tall frame towering over me like a mountain.

My hands trembled at my sides as I held his gaze, watching him circle me with that cold, predatory look.

"You know," he began, his eyes dragging over me like I was some priceless object about to be auctioned, "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I've always wondered what it would feel like to have both brother and sister at my mercy… and now, I think I'm about to find out.”

The air dried from my lungs. I froze, struggling to process his words.

“Wh—what do you mean? You planned this all along?”

“Of course I did,” he let out a cruel laugh. “What, you really thought a campus star like me would stoop so low for someone like you? Oh please, darling.”

His fingers trailed slowly across my neck, pulling me so close I could feel his breath on my skin. "I always knew you admired me. That you'd do anything to be close to me. So I gave you exactly what you wanted. But guess what? I did it all for one reason."