Chapter 7 Miracle?

• Jaden burst into laughter. “What made you change your mind? I thought love had blinded you, and you were ready to sacrifice everything for that gigolo.”
• I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening as I fought back my tears. “Jaden, we have nothing else to talk about. When we get to school tomorrow, you tell me what I should say and everything you want me to do.” My voice shook but I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay composed.
• It was so torturing seeing myself doing this, like I was digging my own grave. Every word I spoke felt like a betrayal—not just to Leo, but also to myself.
• My heart ached, knowing exactly what would happen to leo. He would be locked up in the dungeon and his entire life and career would be ruined because of me. I felt so bad. It was as if I was hurting myself.
• I heard Jaden chuckle before he continued. “We are doing everything right now because by morning you might change your mind. Listen. As soon as we end this call, I will send you the write up of what you will have to say while making the videotape.
• I felt my breath hitch. “What write-up?” I asked even though deep down I already knew what he was talking about.
• “The confession,” he said smoothly. “The one where you accuse Leo of rape so he gets charged. There is concrete evidence to back it up so don’t worry. Even your parents will be proud of you.”
• I shut my eyes, the weight of guilt pressing down on me as I bit my lower lips listening to my heart thumping really fast. “But he didnt rape me.” I whispered.
• “That doesn't matter, bitch! Just do what you’re told!” He snapped before the line went dead.
• I collapsed on the bed down, burying my face into the pillow, my body shaking as I sobbed silently.
• How would I do this to Leo?
• Even after everything Leo did to me. How he had treated me harshly this second time we met, I still couldn't hate him enough to destroy him like this. How could I live in peace with myself knowing I had sent an innocent man to prison?
• How will I recover from the long-run pain of seeing him go to jail for what he didn't commit? My heart felt like it was being stabbed, the pain overwhelming because despite everything, despite my own denial, I knew I was still in love with him.
• My phone chimed. I hesitated before picking it up, my fingers trembling as I read Jaden’s message.
• “Memorize everything I sent in that PDF, then make the video. I know you're crying right now; that will make the video more believable. If you do this right, I won't bother you anymore. I am not even interested in having sex with you.”
• I swallowed the lump in my throat, a sinking feeling overwhelming me. The text didn't bring any slight relief. It was the hardest moment of my life and I felt like I would die as I recorded the video and hit the send.
• The moment it was done, I curled up on the floor, sobbing as regret and guilt twisted in my chest, suffocating me.
• I sat there for what felt like hours staring blankly ahead as I wished Leo had at least given me his phone number. I could have warned him earlier so he would run far away from this pack.
• He had really underestimated what Jaden could do and now this would hit him unexpectedly.
• My phone buzzed again. Another message notification from Jaden displaying on the screen.
• “You never learn. I am sorry, but you were wrong to trust me. The plan was to destroy you and everyone you cared about. I am still going to post both your naked pictures and the video you just recorded now. Take care.”
• My heart sank into my stomach, sweat forming on my forehead as I reread the text, my brain refusing to accept they were real. Jaden must be joking!
• No.
• No, this shouldn’t be happening to me, right?
• Somebody, please tell me this is all just a horrible illusion.
• When I came out of my room after cleaning my tears, I struggled to tell my parents everything. It was so difficult.
• The next day as we had breakfast together, I tried again to tell them, but I ended up gasping, the words heavy and hard to spill as I didn’t want to ruin their joy.
• I looked at their eyes and it was all full of delight and peace so I couldn’t say anything, not wanting to shatter it all.
• I listened to them talk about their gradual success in their political ambition; They are planning on becoming the next gamma by voting. My heart felt like it was squeezed tight, and I fought my tears from falling as the pain hit deeper knowing soon enough their hope would all be crushed. And it was by the same guy they had warned me to stay away from. Jaden.
• It would really hit them like a bomb when Jaden would leak my nudes tape and I end up bringing shame to my family name.
• It hurts more that I just lost on both sides because he was also going to use me to bring down Leo with that rape allegation.
• My heart was racing, and beads of sweat formed on my forehead as I headed to the classroom. Every eye looking at me shook me with anxiety while I wondered if they had seen it all on the school website.
• Jaden may have posted it, and that should be the trend now. I didn't have the courage to check it myself because I won't be able to bear the pain of seeing the reactions of the students under the posts. My heart would shatter every second, and I may end up taking my life.
• Today would probably be my last day in this school because I won't be able to bear it when Leo comes at me for lying and accusing him of raping me when he did nothing without my full consent.
• I would also be a mockery; not even the juniors would spare using me as a joke. Every single respect and self-esteem remaining in me would be gone, and my parents will be really disappointed.
• As I got closer to the classroom, the thumping of my heart accelerated. I was literally trembling and sweating.
• Just then I heard someone running toward me. I turned to see it was my former friend who had betrayed me. Selene.
• “What is it?!” I seethed, backing away as she got closer.
• “I am sorry.” She sighed, breathing heavily as if she had run a marathon race.
• “Sorry for what? I don't want to see you.” I snapped, but she shrugged and let out a little smile.
• “I’m happy for you even though I am paying for my greed and stupidity." She said with a sad smile on her face. I could see the black circle around her eyes and her swollen lips even though she was trying to hide it.
• "Why are you happy for me?" I asked curiously.
• “Jaden has lost all your tapes, including the recording he forced you to do.”
• My eyes widened as I stared at her, wondering if she was joking.
• “Should I remind you we aren't friends anymore? Don't fucking joke around with me?!” I snapped and she shook her head.
• “I had told anyone that asked me about the wounds on my face that I had an accident, which is all lies. Jaden poured his frustration and rage on me yesterday after he lost it all. As he inflicted the pain on me, I was still glad he didn't succeed in ruining you, even though I have no idea how he lost all that,” she explained, and I gasped.
• Realizing she was saying the truth made me feel like I would burst out of happiness. I covered my mouth with my palm, exhaling in relief.
• I don't care how he lost it, but the fact that it was all gone made me so ecstatic. Was that why there wasn't any reaction from students?
• “I am sorry for betraying you. Love blinded me, or rather lust, and now I am stuck. I just want to see you the last time before I leave. You are the best friend I ever had," she pecked my cheek and ran back before I could say anything.
• My joy didn't even allow me to understand what she was saying as I made my way to the class with my face beaming with joy.
• I entered the class, and the first person my eyes met was Jaden with a bandage around his head and bump on his head like someone punched him in the face.
• He didn't only lose it all but got beaten? I almost laughed watching him gnash his teeth.