PAIN UNDER HIS RUTHLESS SPELL

"Run!" My heart pounded as I sprinted through the dimly lit street, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I didn't dare look back I could feel the stranger's eyes burning into me.

A few minutes ago, I was simply choosing a cake, excited to surprise James on our anniversary. Now, I was being chased.

But then nothing. Silence. When I finally turned around, the man was gone. The same sharp-eyed man who had grabbed my arm earlier.

I shook my head, pushing away the lingering unease. I had more important things to focus on James. Today was the day I would answer his proposal. After a year of hesitation, I was ready to say yes. I was ready to be his wife.

With the cake in hand, I drove to his apartment, my fingers unconsciously brushing over the engagement ring now snug on my finger.

As I stepped inside, the quiet air felt different. Too still. Then

"Oh, James... harder, baby."

I froze.

That voice.

It wasn't mine.

A sharp, painful lump formed in my throat as I followed the sound, each step heavier than the last. My heart screamed at me to stop, to turn back, but my mind forced me forward.

And then I saw it.

Lacy red panties on the couch. Not mine.

"Fuck, Emily!"

James' voice.

My blood turned to ice.

I reached the bedroom door just in time to hear the words that shattered me completely.

"Am I better than my step-sister? That boring and dumb Stephanie?"

It was her. My step-sister. Emily.

"Nothing happened between us. Even if I tried, Stephanie never gave me what I wanted. She always escaped, always had excuses."