JUDY’S POVThe isolation crept in slowly at first, like a shadow stretching across the floor. It started with subtle changes—a friend who used to wave enthusiastically now offering only a hesitant smile, a group of classmates huddling together and growing silent when I approached. But soon, the subtlety gave way to something more overt and cutting.At lunch in the cafeteria, I could feel the stares piercing through me, whispers curling through the air like smoke. I didn’t have to hear the words to know they were about me. The sneers, the furtive glances, the deliberate way people turned their backs—it all spoke volumes. My tray felt heavier in my hands as I walked through the crowded room, searching for a seat that no one would begrudge me.“Isn’t she the one who…” a girl murmured just loud enough for me to catch as I passed by.“I heard she’s been using Chris for his money,” another voice said, the accusation laced with disdain.I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms a
JUDY’S POVThe sting of Chris indifference cut deeper than the humiliation inflicted by my classmates. Each time he turned a blind eye to my suffering, I felt a piece of the connection we once shared crumble away. The disappointment hollowed me out, leaving me devoid of the strength to fight back. I stopped resisting, letting their cruelty wash over me like an unrelenting tide. Perhaps I deserved it?In the classroom, they would deliberately trip me as I made my way to my desk, sending my books tumbling to the floor as their laughter echoed through the room. During PE, they turned games into an opportunity to mock me, snatching the ball away at the last second or cheering at my supposed clumsiness. At breaks, they circled around me like vultures, throwing out biting remarks about my appearance, my background, and anything else they could weaponise.“You’re only here because Chris felt sorry for you,” one would sneer. “Do you think this is a charity school?” Another chimed in, their
CHRIS’ POVSeeing Judy interact so effortlessly with Jason felt like a sharp slap across my face, an icy realisation that left me momentarily stunned. The way Jason leaned in slightly, handing her a drink with that easy after confronting Katarina, casual smile of his, made my stomach churn. Judy's cheeks flushed faintly in response, a delicate shade of pink that I had never seen her wear for anyone else. “Fun?” Jason’s voice sharpened. “This isn’t fun. It’s cruelty, plain and simple.”The scene tugged at my chest with an unexpected ferocity, a hollow ache I couldn’t quite name.From the moment I had arrived at the party, my eyes had been drawn to Judy. She stood off to the side at first, her posture stiff but not unapproachable. She wasn’t the kind of person to naturally blend into the social whirlwind, but she tried, nonetheless. I watched her closely, the way she smoothed the hem of her dress, her hesitant glances at the crowd, and her cautious sips of punch. It was almost second
JUDY’S POVJason and I were walking together under the warm glow of the setting sun when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out absent-mindedly, expecting a casual reminder from my mother or a message from a friend. But as my eyes scanned the screen, my breath caught in my throat."Don’t forget our agreement."The words were stark, as if etched in steel. My chest tightened, and the weight of the message pressed down on me like a physical burden. My hands grew clammy, and my steps faltered."What's wrong?" Jason asked, his voice cutting through my spiralling thoughts. I looked up to see him watching me with a mix of curiosity and concern, his brows knitting together.I swallowed hard, my mind scrambling for an explanation. How could I tell him the truth? How could I explain that Chris, the boy who used to feel like family, had turned into someone I barely recognised? Someone who held leverage over me, a leverage I was desperate to keep hidden.I forced a tight smile. “It’s my
JUDY’S POV“Wait here until I call for you.”Chris opened the door and gestured for me to take a seat in the living room before vanishing from sight. Each of his footsteps echoed like a drumbeat against my racing heart.Was he serious? I stood still, feeling the weight of the situation sink into me. The luxurious surroundings did nothing to comfort me. If anything, the polished marble floors, the expensive paintings, and the grand chandelier only heightened the suffocating tension. Chris had deliberately made me wait, each passing minute an unspoken declaration of his dominance. He knew why I was here, and he wanted to ensure I felt the full gravity of approaching him for help.Time stretched agonizingly. The stillness of the room was broken only by the ticking of an ornate grandfather clock in the corner. My anxiety clawed at me, each tick reminding me of the stakes. My father’s career, his dignity, and the very stability of our family were at risk—all because of a petty vendetta.
JUDY’S POV“I have to go home, Chris. My parents are waiting for me,” I said, my voice trembling, each word a fragile plea.Chris stepped nearer, his gaze as sharp as a predator’s. A slow, mocking smile curled across his lips. “Should I remind you,” he said, his voice dripping with cold amusement, “that you’ve just signed a contract that gives me full rights over you?”His words cut through me like a blade, and the air seemed to grow colder. My breath hitched, and my chest tightened as dread spread through me like poison. I felt trapped, as though invisible chains were tightening around me, and my legs weakened beneath the weight of his warning.The reality of what I had just done sank in, and I fretted, my mind spinning with regret and fear.“Follow me,” he commanded, his voice low and husky, carrying an edge that sent a shiver down my spine. It wasn’t a request—it was an order, and the weight of it hung heavy in the air, leaving no room for argument.Chris led me to a private room
JUDY’S POVAs soon as I walked through the door, my mother’s sharp eyes fixed on me. Her voice carried both concern and curiosity as she asked, “Where have you been?”"Just stepped out for some fresh air, Mom," I replied, trying to keep my tone steady. But the slight tremor in my voice betrayed me.She tilted her head, studying me with that maternal instinct that always saw through my defences. “Are you alright?” she pressed, her brow furrowing slightly.I hesitated, unsure how much I could reveal. The weight of the evening hung heavily on my shoulders, but I forced a faint smile. “Yeah, just tired, that’s all. How is Dad?” I asked, forcing myself to sound casual, even as my stomach churned with unease.My mother sighed heavily, brushing a hand through her hair. “I dragged him to bed. He just couldn’t handle the shock,” she said, her voice heavy with worry.I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and tried to muster some optimism. “Everything will be fine,” I said, though I wasn
CHRIS’ POVThe news of Judy being sick had reached me in the late afternoon. Though I had maintained a calm, detached demeanour, I couldn’t shake the gnawing guilt in the pit of my stomach. Deep down, I knew this might be my fault. The stress she had been enduring lately—her constant worry about her father’s job, the unspoken tension between us—it had all been weighing on her.I had retreated to my room, closing the door behind me, and sat on the edge of my bed. A pang of guilt had tightened my chest. As much as I had tried to rationalise my actions in the past, convincing myself they were justified, I couldn’t deny the consequences they had on her. Judy—fragile yet fierce, and so much stronger than I had ever given her credit for—was now sick, and I felt responsible.Without over-thinking it, I had grabbed a blanket from my closet. It was one I rarely used, made from soft, quilted fabric, the kind that brought warmth and comfort on the coldest nights. I had set it on my desk and r
JUDY’S POV“Undress, Judy… I’ve missed you too much,” Chris murmured, his voice dripping with seduction, sending a shiver racing down my spine.His charismatic gaze locked onto mine through the screen, pulling me in, making the moment even more electrifying. There was something about the way he watched me, his eyes dark with hunger, that set my pulse racing. It reminded me of that day at his place, the way we had lost ourselves in each other without a care in the world—even when the servants might have caught a glimpse. However tonight, there were no prying eyes, no interruptions. It was just the two of us, wrapped in this intimate connection that defied distance.I obeyed him, slowly peeling away the layers of my clothing, his instructions guiding my movements. It wasn’t just undressing—it felt like a performance, a private striptease meant only for him. I may not have been Demi Moore, but I knew how to play to Chris’ desires, how to tease him until the tension crackled between us
JUDY’S POVThe timing was uncanny, as though he had been waiting for this very moment. My heart fluttered at the sight of his name lighting up the screen, a rush of anticipation mingled with a hint of unease as I hesitated just long enough before swiping to answer.As the call connected, Chris’ familiar face appeared, framed by the soft glow of his surroundings. Even through the small screen, his presence was undeniable—his sharp features illuminated in a way that made them look almost softer, more inviting. But it was more than just his appearance. There was something in the way he filled the space between us, commanding my attention effortlessly, making everything else fade into the background. The world outside the frame seemed to lose its meaning the moment he looked at me.“How was the party?” he asked, his tone casual but with an undertone of curiosity that I knew all too well.I hesitated for a moment, uncertain of how much to reveal, but then the words spilled out, and I bega
JUDY’S POVWhen the invitation to the school party had first arrived, I had found myself staring at it with a mix of uncertainty and dread. The memory of past bullying clung to me like an unwelcome ghost, its whispers reminding me that staying away would be the safer, easier choice.But what if history repeated itself? What if I walked into that room, exposed and hopeful, only to face the same ridicule or exclusion I had endured before? The wounds from Jason’s betrayal still ached, scars etched into my confidence, reminding me of how trust could be shattered so easily. Now, the idea of stepping into a space teeming with unfamiliar faces felt like walking into a battlefield unarmed. Anxiety curled in my chest, warring with the faint hope that maybe this time, things could be different.But Chris’ words kept playing in my mind: Go, enjoy yourself, and take care of yourself. His encouragement had given me a strange sense of validation, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could ste
CHRIS’ POVWhen Judy’s voice drifted through the phone, soft and hesitant, confessing that she missed me, my chest tightened in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. Those words, simple yet profound, struck a chord so deep it left me momentarily speechless. For days, I had replayed every argument, every moment of tension between us, wondering if I had pushed her too far, if I had lost her for good. Yet here she was, admitting that she missed me.It wasn’t just the words themselves—it was the way she said them, laden with vulnerability and an honesty that seemed to cost her dearly. I could hear the tremor in her voice, the hesitation that spoke volumes about how hard it had been for her to admit it. My heart swelled with a mixture of relief and happiness, emotions I hadn’t allowed myself to fully embrace in weeks.Still, I couldn’t resist teasing her a little, wanting to test the waters of this newfound vulnerability. “How much did you miss me?” I asked, keeping my voice light, though
JUDY’S POVWow! The silence stretched between us like a fragile thread, taut with all the emotions I was too afraid to voice. I fiddled with the hem of my shirt, staring at the muted glow of my phone, my heart thundering in my chest. Chris was still on the other end of the line, waiting, his quiet patience making the moment feel heavier.And then, before I could stop myself, the words slipped out, soft but laden with truth, “I missed you too.”There was a pause, just long enough for my face to flush with the realisation of what I had said. I didn’t plan to admit it—it wasn’t even fully clear to me until the words had left my lips. However it was true. Despite everything that had transpired, despite the confusion, the anger, and the hurt, I missed him. I missed his voice, his steady presence, the way he made me feel both safe and unsteady at the same time.It wasn’t simple longing; it was far more complicated than that. I missed him because, for better or worse, Chris had seen throu
JUDY’S POVMy thumb had lingered over the glowing answer button, wavering as a storm of emotions churned inside me. It had been so long since I had distanced myself from his cryptic and alluring world, a choice that had built an invisible wall between us. In all this time, he hadn’t reached out—not once—and I had convinced myself that this silence was a blessing in disguise. Perhaps it was easier to leave the past untouched, to let our connection fade into an uneasy stillness. Yet now, as his name lit up my screen, the fragile equilibrium I had crafted felt ready to shatter.The silence between us had been both a balm and a burden—a space I needed to rebuild myself but one that also left an ache in my chest.Finally, I pressed accept.“Hey,” I said cautiously, my voice betraying none of the turmoil inside me.“Hey,” Chris replied. His voice was calm, smooth, and disarming as always, a distinct contrast to the tension I felt.“How’s it going?” he asked, his tone as casual as if we w
CHRIS POVIn truth, I had never seen Judy as a mere plaything. That perception would diminish the complexity of what I saw in her—the depths she tried to hide, the unspoken desires she buried so deeply even she seemed unaware of them. I understood because I recognised a reflection of myself in her. The same struggle, the same yearning for freedom mixed with the fear of surrendering control. It wasn’t about dominance; it was about unveiling something raw and real, something she hadn’t yet allowed herself to confront.But I had gone too far. That much was clear. Bringing her into my world, exposing her to a side of me she hadn’t asked to see—it was reckless. Even now, I could still see the conflict in her eyes, the way she hesitated before walking out of my place. Part of her wanted to stay, I was certain of it. But the larger part was terrified. I hadn’t anticipated that fear. Or maybe I had and ignored it, convinced that she just needed a push to see things my way.After she left,
JUDY’S POVThe silk ropes brushed against my skin, their softness betraying the firm grip they had on my wrists and ankles. My breathing quickened as Chris tied the final knot, his movements deliberate and steady. I had agreed to this, albeit hesitantly, as part of my attempt to understand the pull Chris had over me and, perhaps, over myself. However now, as I lay bound and blindfolded, I could feel every nerve in my body coming alive in ways I hadn’t anticipated.The blindfold darkened my world, plunging me into an unfamiliar void. Without sight, every sound seemed louder, every touch magnified. I could hear Chris moving around the room—his footsteps, the subtle rustle of fabric, the soft creak of furniture. My heart pounded against my ribcage, torn between curiosity and apprehension."Are you okay?" Chris’ voice came from somewhere close, deep and reassuring.I nodded, my words failing me. The silk around my wrists wasn’t painful, but it held me firmly in place, leaving me both vul
JUDY’S POV“I swear, I’ll make it up to you and I know it’ll take time…”Just when I thought that Chris would continue, that was the time when he decided to change the atmosphere in the room. I looked up to him and said nothing. Then, to my amazement, he gives me his hand to help me get up. “Come, I’ll guide you through the props.”Chris proved to be an exceptional guide, walking me through the intricacies of every detail with a clear and engaging explanation. His knowledge seemed boundless as she dived into the specifics of dungeons, dungeon masters, and the intricately designed scene rooms, each carefully curated with a unique array of props tailored to enhance the ambiance of its theme. Throughout the visit, his gaze rarely left me, his attention more focused on my reactions than on the explanations themselves. We passed through a variety of rooms, each with its own distinct purpose and aesthetic, until we arrived at one that caught my attention. Chris paused here, his tone s