Caught In His Web of Manipulation

girl he single-handedly tutored into NYU. He built my entire

aught him in lie after lie with his lab partner, Addisyn, I finally le

is sweet, obedient girlfriend, using his tutoring to ace my r

proposal. In front of a cheering crowd, he got on one knee wi

" he asked, his voi

man stepped forward. It was Addisyn, and

pte

de pocket, nestled amongst a tangle of charging cables and scientific papers. My fin

ers for anything like that, Ila," he'd said, his voice firm, like he was delivering a scientific fact. It was a rule, not a preference. He'd even

, t

s insisted I use a diaphragm, a method he'd meticulously researched and deemed "

ispered in my head, a familiar chorus of reassurance. Or maybe he' s just being a good fri

heart hammered against my ribs. Should I put them back? Pretend I never sa

ed in, his brow furrowed, a stack of books under his arm. He

s voice was low, but it held that edge, t

I was just trying to organize your bag for you. You a

hen, his expression softened into a familiar, weary sigh. "Oh, those. Right." He reached o

tched. Addis

e lab, and I did some research. These particular pills are known to alleviate symptoms for her specific condition. I told her I' d pick them up for her since she was swamped wi

onestly, Ila, I sometimes wonder why you always jump to conclusions. Addisyn is my lab partner. My colleague. There's nothing romantic between us." He paused, his

I' d ended up apologizing for my "insecurity." He' s right, Ila. You' re always making things harder than they are. He' s brilli

rds tasting like ash. "I just... I worry about yo

of surprise crossing his face. I usually

ment," I quickly added, trying to divert his attention. "I was just abo

s on his desk, my hands shaking only sli

roat, as if he was ab

" I mumbled, already backing towards the door.

is back to me, staring at his backpack. He looked confu