Love Turns to Nightmare

1.

My name was Morgan Kim, and at the age of 21, I had been fortunate enough to lead a life of comfort and ease ever since my childhood days.

Although my parents passed away early, my brother, who was eight years older than me, was quick-witted and had been successful in business, making our family roll in wealth.

In terms of me, I was a love-struck individual.

At this moment, I'm sitting at my computer desk, just having logged into my game account, when my in-game partner sent me a private message.

"Baby, come visit me abroad. I've been going through some things and feeling really stressed."

What? Was my boyfriend upset?

I immediately logged out of the game and transferred five thousand dollars to Steve Howard, along with a WhatsApp message. "Honey, wait for me. I'll fly over to see you tonight!"

I quickly packed a suitcase, booked the earliest flight available, and dashed out the door.

When I got off the plane, Steve wasn't there to pick me up as promised.

But I understood.

"He's from Esaham, working abroad, so it's normal for him to be occupied." I patted my chest, feeling a bit sorry for Steve.

Following the directions he had given me before, I found my way to his place.

"Knock, knock, knock." I knocked on the door excitedly.

Steve and I met online, and although our in-game relationship wasn't exactly a real-life romance, in my heart, since we were already a couple in the game, and he often helped me level up without complaining about my skills, it was more than just a game relationship.

For me, this was true love!

I assumed Steve liked me too, head over heels.

The door took a while to open.

The man inside, clad in nothing but a pair of threadbare shorts, flung the door open with a scowl, his face contorted in irritation. He growled, "Who the devil is pounding on the door at this ungodly hour? Are you deliberately seeking trouble?"

His voice was loud, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, and his upper body was bare.

This scene was quite a shock to my system.

Steve looked at me, stunned. "Kim?"

Because my brother didn't want me to casually tell others my real name, he changed it when I turned eighteen and even had me open an independent account.

So everyone, including Steve, thought my name was Kim Morgan, which was what I told him.

Having never seen this side of Steve, I hesitated for a long time without saying anything.

Steve awkwardly put out his cigarette, lowered the hand resting on the door, and straightened up considerably from his previously nonchalant demeanor.

He was worried I might be scared, so his tone became shy and gentle, saying something to comfort me. "Baby, I'm sorry, I forgot you were coming today."

I smiled warmly, "It's okay, but you seem to be letting loose at home."

I didn't mean anything by it, just teasing him about being shirtless.

But as soon as I finished speaking, a sweet voice came from inside, "Honey, who is it?"

Steve and I froze simultaneously, glancing at each other.

He quickly recovered and laughed, "Oh, I forgot to tell you, this is the girl I share the apartment with. She's probably on the phone with her husband."

I inhaled deeply, a soft smile spreading across my face as I placed my unwavering trust in his words.

Steve took my suitcase and pushed it inside, "Come on in."

As soon as I entered, my pupils contracted sharply.

The apartment was a one-bedroom, two-living room setup, with leftover takeout boxes scattered in the living room, and lace lingerie thrown haphazardly on the sofa.

A seductive woman in a red slip dress sat on the sofa with her back to me, applying lipstick in front of a mirror.

I looked at Steve in confusion.

He scratched his head, smiling awkwardly, then shouted at the woman.

"Peggy Tucker, put your clothes on and clean up the stuff on the sofa. Look at the mess you've made. It disgusts my girlfriend."

Peggy leisurely finished applying her lipstick, turned around, and gave Steve a playful look.

Then her gaze subtly and boldly assessed me.

I pursed my lips but didn't question further.

2.

Before I could say anything, Steve pushed me into his room.

The door closed from the outside, and I set down my backpack, finally having time to observe his room.

Although the living room was messy, his room was not.

We often video call, and I figured he didn't want me to see his messy side.

I sat on the edge of the bed.

Suddenly, my attention was drawn to the bedside table, which held only one item.

Huh? He didn't even have a lamp on the bedside table.

There was just a white paper-wrapped object with sharp edges, and I couldn't tell what was inside.

I instinctively wanted to open it and take a look.

Just then, Steve walked in.

Seeing my hand reaching for the bedside table, his voice was urgent. "Kim!"

I quickly pulled my hand back.

Even though Steve was my boyfriend, this marked our very first in-person encounter, and a tinge of awkwardness washed over me at the thought of rummaging through his belongings in his private room.

But then I felt happy and ran to him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Baby, did you miss me?"

Steve pressed against me, immediately looking a bit flustered. He wrapped his arms around my waist, his eyes softening. "Of course, I missed you terribly."

I was not a conservative person, and I didn't have any qualms about having sexual relations with the person I loved before getting married.

Steve closed the door, his voice turning hoarse, his chin resting on my head.

"Stay with me tonight, okay?"

He seemed worried I might refuse, so he added, "The living room is so messy, I can't bear to let you sleep there. Peggy is quite feisty, and she wouldn't want you sleeping in her room. So, stay with me, alright?"

I nodded, my eyes curving with a smile.

I was secretly pleased with Steve's assessment of Peggy.

So that night, we naturally ended up sleeping together.

Some things just happened naturally.

He undressed while kissing me, and the room's temperature quickly rose.

I was a bit overwhelmed.

He lay on top of me, breathing heavily.

When his hand reached my last line of defense, he suddenly paused.

Surprised and a bit hesitant, he asked, "Kim, is this your first time?"

Maybe because I usually acted carefree around him, he assumed it wasn't my first time.

I wasn't angry at his question.

Blushing, I bit my lip to control my heat and nodded.

Steve withdrew his hand, resting on me for a long time, his breathing gradually calming.

His eyes lowered, blinking as he said, "Baby, I won't touch you." Then he added, "Not until we're officially married."

He seemed to be holding back with great difficulty.

Instantly, my heart felt like it was overflowing with sweetness, and I couldn't recover for a long time.

He was so gentle and treated me so well.

In the middle of the night, half-asleep, I reached out beside me, only to find the bed empty.

I frowned, the empty room feeling strangely eerie.

"Baby, baby, where are you?"

I called out as I slipped on my slippers and walked out of the bedroom.

"Bang-" A clear door-closing sound came from outside.

I turned on the light.

Steve was standing in the living room, close to Peggy's door, looking a bit flustered, shirtless, wearing only black shorts.

A fine sheen of sweat covered his exposed skin.

Seeing me, Steve quickly came over and wrapped his arms around my waist, his expression gentle.

"Baby, why are you up?"

I pouted, feeling a bit wronged. "I woke up and couldn't find you. What were you doing?"

He affectionately ruffled my hair. "I got hungry in the middle of the night and came out to find something to eat."

I pursed my lips.

After hesitating for a moment, I spoke up. "I thought I heard a door closing."

Steve calmly explained, "That was the sound of me closing the fridge."

I was still a bit doubtful.

But his next words dispelled my doubts. He lightly tapped my head, laughing. "You scared me.

I came out while you were asleep, and when I opened the fridge, there was suddenly a noise in the house. It startled me so much I broke out in a sweat. I didn't even get anything before closing the fridge."

I chuckled, "What are you afraid of? Are you afraid of ghosts?"

He playfully tapped my head again.

I went to the fridge, grabbed some things, and cooked him a bowl of noodles.

Knowing he was hungry, I made sure to cook extra for him.

I rarely got to see my brother since he was always traveling for work, but whenever we met, I cooked his favorite meal, and he ate a lot.

So, I assumed Steve would have a big appetite too.

However, even though he said he was hungry, he didn't finish even half of the noodles.

Steve awkwardly explained, "I can't eat as much as I used to."

I just smiled and didn't think much of it.

3.

The next morning, Steve got up early and took the initiative to make breakfast for me.

The breakfast on the table was exquisite and delicious.

Peggy arrived with a stylish delay, casually smoothing her wavy hair as she sat down with a cheerful smile.

Her beautifully manicured fingers naturally took one of the servings from the table, and she began eating leisurely.

I was a bit taken aback because I only then realized there were three breakfasts on the table, and Peggy helped herself so naturally.

Steve must have noticed my slight displeasure, as he quickly explained with a smile, "She's kind of a sister to me, so I made her a portion too."

As he spoke, he secretly nudged Peggy under the table and asked, "Isn't that right?"

Peggy looked up at me with her heavily made-up eyes, giving a half-smile as she replied, "Yep," before continuing to eat.

Her gaze was somewhat defiant, carrying an air of superiority that made me feel uncomfortable, even though I was usually quite infatuated.

But I didn't want to show it. Since Steve said he saw Peggy as a sister, I didn't want to make things awkward for him.

After a simple breakfast, Steve smiled at me and said, "I lost my job recently, so I'm going to a job interview today and won't have time to accompany you. Peggy has some free time, so she can take you out for a bit."

No wonder he mentioned he was upset.

Before I could respond, Peggy laughed out loud.

She looked me up and down with a playful smile and said, "Sure, I'll take good care of your little girlfriend."

I hesitated a bit.

I wasn't too keen on going out with a stranger, but Steve's words reassured me, "Peggy has been here for years, so I trust her to show you around."

With that, he transferred back the five thousand dollars I had given him earlier.

Suddenly, my heart was all aflutter again, and all my displeasure vanished. I quickly returned the money and sent him ten thousand dollars instead.

"Sweetheart, you're already stressed with work, so I don't want to add to it. Keep this money, just in case you need it for anything."

After saying that, to reassure him, I took Peggy's hand and said, "Let's go, Peggy."

4.

We went straight to the biggest mall downtown in Mainia.

I couldn't tell if Peggy was genuinely interested in accompanying me, but her relaxed demeanor suggested she relished the leisurely shopping experience. She seemed unbothered by the ordinary worries of daily life.

We walked one behind the other, with me following her lead.

The mall was filled with luxury brands. I caught a glimpse of a designer handbag, and even the cheapest one cost hundreds of thousands.

Peggy casually picked up a bag to inspect it, while I stood by, waiting silently.

Suddenly, a loud voice caught my attention.

"Kim, what are you doing here?"

I turned to see who it was and frowned.

It was Daisy Buckley, a high school classmate of mine.

I hadn't expected to run into her abroad after all these years.

I didn't really want to engage with her and was about to suggest to Peggy that we leave.

But unexpectedly, Daisy noticed Peggy beside me, her eyes lighting up as she rushed over.

"Peggy, is that you?" She grabbed Peggy's arm, leaving Peggy unable to move.

Peggy's sultry eyes narrowed slightly in annoyance.

Daisy, being sharp, immediately sensed Peggy's displeasure and quickly let go.

Her ability to switch expressions was impressive.

Daisy eagerly asked Peggy, "Peggy, what have you been up to lately? Can you mentor me?"

I raised an eyebrow in surprise.

What exactly did Peggy do?

I couldn't tell she held any significant status, except for the dress she wore, which I recognized as a recent release from a major brand.

Yet, Daisy was fawning over her.

Peggy glanced sideways at Daisy but remained silent.

Daisy noticed my inquisitive gaze and immediately shot me a disdainful look. "What are you staring at, loser? How dare you even look at Peggy?"

I was at a loss for words, yet found it amusing.

We had no grudges between us, but she had targeted me since our school days.

Even after all these years since graduation, she still couldn't let it go when she saw me.

Peggy heard Daisy's words but didn't intervene. Instead, she smiled charmingly and picked up the bag in her hand, asking the sales assistant beside her, "How much is this?"

The sales assistant replied with a smile, "One and a half million, Ms. Tucker. With your VIP card, it comes down to one and a quarter million."

It seemed Peggy wasn't just anyone; otherwise, she wouldn't have a VIP card here.

Daisy frowned slightly at the price but quickly said, "Peggy, I'll buy this bag for you."

I was stunned, not because of the bag's price, but because of Daisy's attitude toward Peggy.

I knew Daisy's family background-her parents were both teachers, and sending her abroad had drained their savings. I had no idea where she got the money, let alone to buy such an expensive gift for Peggy.

The sales assistant led Daisy to the counter to swipe her card.

I noticed that Daisy used a credit card, and her face showed a hint of pain she couldn't hide.

But in the moment the card went through, she seemed a bit delighted, probably imagining her future wealth.

Peggy finally gave Daisy a proper look once she had the bag in hand.

Daisy grinned obsequiously, "Peggy, just a token gift. Please bear with me."

Peggy nodded with a smile.

"Alright, if anything comes up, I'll call you this weekend."

Daisy's face lit up with excitement.

Just then, Steve sent me a message on WhatsApp, somewhat pleading, "Babe, Peggy lent me a lot of money recently. If she buys anything today, could you cover it for her? I'll pay you back when I get my paycheck next month."

I glanced at Peggy.

My heart got the better of me again.

Peggy had helped Steve, so I couldn't just leave her hanging.

Seeing Peggy about to walk away, I stepped forward to follow her.

At that moment, Daisy grabbed me, "Where do you think you're going? Do you think someone like you can just approach Peggy?"

I blinked and shook off her hand.

"I'm going to buy something. Don't touch me."

Daisy laughed out loud at my words, "Ha, you? You dare to buy something here? You'd embarrass yourself. You can't even scrape together a thousand bucks."

I was speechless and glanced at the store's brand name, confirming it was indeed the one I knew.

I took out a card from my bag and handed it to the sales assistant.

"I'll take everything from the left column and the right column. Wrap them all up."

With a smile on my lips, the sales assistant's eyes widened in disbelief when she saw the card in my hand.

Daisy and Peggy were both stunned.

Daisy burst into laughter, "Kim, who are you trying to fool? Can you afford two columns of bags?"

Before I could respond, the sales assistant sharply interrupted Daisy, "Miss, please watch your words."

She quickly walked over, seemingly unsure and hesitant, and whispered so only we could hear, "Ms. Kim?"

It was well-known that the head of the brand was a single thirty-year-old with the surname Kim and had a sister.

So, I wasn't surprised the sales assistant guessed my identity. I nodded.

Once my identity was confirmed, her voice became more authoritative. She glanced at Daisy and, without giving her a chance to speak, said, "Miss, please leave."

Daisy asked incredulously, "Me? Why should I leave? I just bought something from your store. If anyone should leave, it should be this braggart bitch."

The sales assistant coldly called security and told her, "This lady is our store's elite VIP."

Daisy was dumbfounded.

Peggy was also stunned, probably not expecting me to have such a background.

I couldn't be bothered to say more.

I turned to Peggy, whom Daisy had just been flattering, and said, "Peggy, let's go home."

Peggy, being quick-witted, immediately composed herself and prepared to leave in her high heels.

Daisy was left speechless, her legs seemingly weak.

I turned back and smiled at Daisy, "Appearances can be deceiving, Daisy. Don't act like a fool."

The sales assistant returned my card and asked for my address, promising to have the bags delivered to my home today.

I nodded, leaving Daisy standing there, dumbfounded.