Page 44 of My Sweetest Obsession

I moved toward the bars, ignoring the dried blood between my legs. I winced when I saw his face, a portrait of worry, appear between them.

“I’m…I’m okay,” I lied.

His expression hardened, his eyes burning with determination. “I’ll get you out, I swear it.”

I shook my head. “We’re trapped, Uncle Malik. We’re going to die here.”

“Don’t you dare give up!” Malik's tone was sharp, but his eyes pleaded with me. “You’re strong, just like your mother. We’ll get through this.”

“Strong?” I spat. “Look where it got her! That asshole killed my baby!”

As if summoned by my words, the heavy footsteps of approaching doom echoed down the corridor. My breath caughtin my throat as the silhouette of the Puppet Master materialized from the shadows, the asshole guard by his side.

“Gigi,” he drawled, devoid of any affection.

“What more do you want?” I snarled. “Haven’t you done enough?”

I was fed up! Sick to death of this relentless cycle of men who thought they could do whatever the hell they wanted, who believed they could cause pain just for the sake of it—who thought it was their right to play God.

Well, fuck that! I refused to be a victim anymore, to let their arrogance dictate my existence. I would not be silenced or intimidated. I would stand my ground, even if it meant dying in the process.

His smile was evil. “You'll see in due time.” He waved his hand, and the guard stepped toward Valarie.

“Stay away from her!” I shouted.

Valarie’s eyes met mine, unafraid. “It’s okay.”

The guard's laughter was a cruel mockery as he grabbed Valarie’s hair, yanking her head back. “Shut your mouth, or you’re next,” he snarled, his grip tightening

“No!” I screamed, my anger transforming into raw, primal fear.

“Watch closely, Gigi,” the Puppet Master said. A twisted smile spread across his face as he gestured to the guard. “This is what happens when people challenge me.”

The guard seized the chain linked to her collar, forcefully wrapping it around her throat multiple times before yanking it tightly. Valarie’s hands shot up to her neck in a desperate attempt to halt him. She kicked out and struggled fiercely, fighting against the restraint that was going to kill her.

I couldn't just stand by and let him murder my aunt in cold blood. As I rushed to her aid, Uncle Malik’s screams reached my ears, pleading for me to stay back. But my instincts kickedin, and I delivered a swift kick to the guard’s shin, momentarily loosening his grip on Valarie.

The guard lunged at me with surprising speed. He grabbed my collar, his grip like iron, and attempted to strangle me. I reacted instantly, my fingers burning as they clawed at his hands. I lashed out with my heel, connecting with his leg, but he delivered a sharp kick to my back that sent me crashing to the ground, my face grinding painfully against the hard surface.

Fuck. That hurt like a bitch.

The guard climbed on my back, wrapping his hands around my neck. I struggled for breath, my vision blurring. Suddenly, I felt a weight lifted as my aunt pounced on the guard to pry him off me.

Uncle Malik’s shouts became distant, drowned out by the rush of blood in my ears. All I could register was the intense pain.

Then a commanding voice boomed into the small space. “Enough!”

As I managed to flip over, gasping for air, my eyes locked onto the Puppet Master, his face contorted in rage as he advanced toward Valarie.

“Get your damn hands off her!” I roared.

He moved with calculated slowness, a devilish grin spreading across his face. In an instant, his backhand connected with my cheek, sending me reeling, the force of the blow numbing my senses.

“Stay the fuck down! Know your goddamn place!” His kick to my ribs was aimed to incapacitate me. I curled up, trying to protect myself.

He seized her by the chain collar, yanking it cruelly. The metal dug into her neck as he swung her around, her body slamming against the wall with a sickening thud.

“Aunt Valarie!” I attempted to rise, but my body betrayed me and refused to obey.