CEO MEETS HER

"Sweetie, can you take me in? This time, I'm done with him for good," Clark said.

My heart skipped a beat as I stared at my best friend's pitiful expression. I froze, realizing I had been reborn.

Clark, seeing no response, pushed past me, dragging her suitcase into my apartment.

"Sabrina, you can't be that heartless. Remember when those bullies ganged up on you at school? I was the one who stood up for you," Clark said.

"Say something! Look at these bruises he left on me. I can't go back. If you don't help me, I might as well die," Clark added.

Her glare seemed to tear me apart, just like in my past life when my skin cracked under scorching heat.

"Fine, you can stay here," I said.

"You're the best! I love you so much," Clark replied.

A shadow darkened my eyes.

In my past life, Clark had guilt-tripped me the same way.

Every time Clark needed help, she brought up how she had chased off my bullies.

I had been genuinely grateful, never refusing Clark's requests.

But when Clark's abusive boyfriend stormed into my home and attacked me, Clark clung to him and said, "Vance, she's the one who told me to break up with you. You know I love you the most. Beat her good to let off some steam. Just don't hit me today," Clark had urged.

"You filthy tramp, trying to ruin us! I'll kill you," Vance had snarled.

His face twisted with rage as he kicked me over and over.

In the end, I lay bloodied and was thrown into the bathroom.

I swallowed my pride, kneeling and begging them to take me to the hospital.

They ignored me, making out in the living room instead.

Worse, when the weather bureau announced a blistering 52-degree heatwave, they kicked me out of my apartment.