Reborn in the Enemy's Embrace Chapter 3

On that fateful day, unbearable agony caused me to black out completely.

Daylight filled the room when I finally regained consciousness. This moment was set six days prior to the terrible event.

The rain had cleared, leaving the sun beaming intensely. With great effort, I rose from the dirt floor. The blood staining my thighs had long since congealed.

"I'm terrified, Damien. What are we going to do?"

Juliet's sobs echoed from the living room. Trembling nonstop, she claimed the assassin had her in his sights.

Death filled her with terror.

"Damien, the security videos confirm it—Juliet was marked. Do we summon the cops?"

"No, Damien... Don't involve the police. That murderer is ruthless and preys only on young females.

"Six corpses have already turned up for the authorities, yet they can't track him down. Provoking him could...

Juliet shook her head vigorously in panic. Calling the police was the last thing she desired.

"Juliet, no need to fear." Damien embraced Juliet, soothing her with tender words.

He certainly possessed gentleness; he simply never directed even a hint of it toward me.

Frozen in place, I sensed deep unease. Departing seemed improper, yet lingering felt equally off.

"Juliet, yesterday on Serenity Lane, what outfit did you have on?" Zack Ziegler, Damien's closest friend, inquired.

"A red one-piece dress." Juliet responded, then shot a look my way. "Sophia..."

Silent, I dodged her eyes. Legs quivering, I headed to the kitchen for some food.

"Damien, hear me out—I've got a scheme. We bait the killer, nab him ourselves before alerting the police.

"This avoids any retaliation against Juliet should things go awry. It just seems more secure," Zack proposed, eyeing Damien.

Damien gave a nod. "Go on."

"Pick a woman to don Juliet's dress, send her to Serenity Lane at midnight to draw him in. Cameras will cover every angle, and we'll monitor everything. No mishaps possible."

Damien's brow furrowed. "Ridiculous notion. You want your own girl taking the risk?"

Juliet's eyes landed on me anew. In a soft tone, she queried, "Sophia, you appear pale. Everything alright?"

"Why fuss over her? She nearly caused your death." Damien clutched Juliet firmly, his voice laced with irritation.

My hand stiffened around the steaming coffee mug. Heartache surged through my entire body in an instant.

"Then use her! We've got the perfect bait right here!"

"She endangered Juliet's life. She's in debt to her—time to pay it back!"

"Exactly! Sophia's our choice. She looks a bit like Juliet, perfect for the job!"

panic gripped me as I stared at Damien, yearning for his outright refusal.

He knew full well my fear of darkness. How could he send me to such a sinister place...

Damien paused, stunned. His icy stare fixed on me for what seemed an eternity before he uttered a word.

"You're indebted to Juliet, so you will do this."

His words struck like countless arrows tearing into my flesh.

Numbness seized my fingers. The coffee-filled cup slipped away, scalding liquid pouring over my skin.

Despite the blistering heat of the brew, sensation deserted me entirely.

A full decade squandered, yet I couldn't melt this man's icy core.

Juliet, meanwhile, won him over effortlessly.

"I refuse to go..." I turned it down flat. No chance I'd gamble my life that way.

"Damien, please don't pressure Sophia..." Tears welled in Juliet's eyes. "Sophia never intended to shove me downstairs."

"Enough excuses for her!" Damien exploded in fury.

Juliet herself recoiled in surprise.

Damien sprang to his feet and charged at me.

Terror made me shake my head. "Damien, I won't do it!"

"You don't decide!" Damien's resolve to force me was unyielding.

"We'll guard you closely—no harm will come." Damien's words rang like a solemn vow.

Tears scorched my eyes as I gazed downward.

"Repay Juliet, and I'll deem you reformed. No more pursuing you."

Damien's tone softened. It dangled hope before me, and foolishly, I clung to it.

"Will you... truly protect me?"

"Absolutely." Impatience crept into Damien's reply.

"Damien, I owe Juliet nothing. Once the killer's caught, will you grant me one promise?" Desperation shone in my eyes as I pleaded.

This wasn't bargaining—it was my chance to reveal what burned inside.

"Enough demands." Damien's face darkened abruptly.

I dropped my gaze to the floor once more and fell silent.

Residing with the Coleman family meant relying on their mercy. Love and fear twisted within me for him.

"Fine... I'll agree." I yielded to their scheme. "Consider it payment for your past rescue."

My very life now lay in Damien's hands.

After it all ended, I'd demand the marriage contract's annulment myself. Freedom for him, and I'd flee abroad—severing ties with the Colemans eternally.