CHAPTER 1

Rosalind Chris★

Today marks our one-year anniversary with my boyfriend Mark, and despite always being there for each other and understanding each other, he hasn't been picking up my calls.

Did he forget about today?

I drove to his house, knocked on the door, and received no response. With a sinking feeling, I bit my lip and pondered his whereabouts. Turning the doorknob, I found it unlocked. 

As I cautiously entered and searched downstairs, I eventually made my way upstairs to his room, where I was met with the sound of moans.

With slow, hesitant steps, I pushed open the door, feeling my heart shatter as tears welled up in my eyes. "Mark," I called out, my voice trembling with emotion.

"Oh, look who's here," he said flatly, devoid of emotion, as he nonchalantly got off the bed. Walking towards me in his naked state, he flashed a smile that sent a chill down my spine.

"I forgot to mention, we're over. I've been preoccupied with this lovely lady," he stated, gesturing towards the woman on his bed who smiled in response. 

"Oh, and I must say, I quite enjoyed our time together," he added casually. Enraged and heartbroken, I slapped him across the face, tears streaming down my cheeks. In a sudden fit of rage, he grabbed me by the neck and began to choke me. Gasping for air, I struggled to break free, hitting his hand in a desperate attempt to breathe.

"Who do you think you are to hit me, huh?" Mark questioned, his tone laced with arrogance. The woman on the bed approached him and planted a kiss on his lips. He released my neck and forcefully pushed me to the floor.

I fled the scene, jumping into my car and driving straight home. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably as I navigated the familiar streets. 

Upon arriving, I found my parents engaged in conversation with a stranger in the living room. Ignoring my mother's calls, I made a beeline for my room, collapsing onto my bed in a heap of despair. Sobbing uncontrollably, I soaked my pillow with tears and pounded my chest in anguish.

After a few hours of tossing and turning, unable to sleep due to Mark's words echoing in my mind, I decided to freshen up with a shower and change into a comfortable gown. Grabbing my car keys, I made my way downstairs, where my concerned parents immediately rose from their seats and ushered me to sit down.

"Are you okay?" Mum inquired, to which I simply nodded before rising to my feet. "We wanted to tell you about..." she began, but I cut her off, stating, "I need to go and I will be late," as I swiftly exited the house. Climbing into my car, I drove off to a bar seeking solace in the pulsating lights and music.

As I made my way to the bar, I ordered a shot of tequila, only to find myself consuming three more bottles of alcohol in quick succession, the tears flowing freely as I drowned my sorrows.

 Feeling the weight of intoxication settling in, I decided to book a room for the night and collected the key in a haze. Stumbling into the elevator in a drunken stupor, I emerged on the designated floor and fumbled my way down the corridor in search of my room. 

A sense of relief washed over me as I finally located the correct door, and with a half-hearted smile, I pushed it open, only to be greeted by the sight of a figure standing in the darkness, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Oh, it's Mark," I exclaimed as I embraced him, feeling his resistance as he attempted to push me away. I held onto him tightly, pleading, "Promise not to leave me again," before sealing the request with a kiss.