Chapter 4

Emma rasped, "I need to use the restroom." As soon as the door shut behind her, she dropped to her knees and threw up, the world spinning around her. Tears and cold sweat streamed down her face as she fumbled for her allergy medication and swallowed it without water. Her reflection in the mirror was pale as a sheet, and her eyes were bloodshot. She looked like an absolute mess. She turned on the tap, letting the cold water hit her wrists. She was almost done, and then everything would be over. When Emma got back from the restroom, Tyler and Janice were already gone. Sandra said mockingly, "Stop looking. Mr. Manning already left with Janice." Emma was stunned. "What's going on?" Sandra gleefully explained, "We were playing truth or dare. Janice had to spend the night with Mr. Dodson. Mr. Manning couldn't let her go, so he sent you to take her place." A chill ran through Emma's spine. Henry Dodson, a rich brat in the corner, gave her a once-over with a sleazy, disgusting grin. He lunged at her, his hands groping for her waist like a creep. "Mr. Manning already said the word, gorgeous. How about you and I have a little fun tonight?" She turned away in disgust. "Back off." With a dark look, Henry threw her down on the couch. "Spare me the act. You're just a bodyguard. How dare you turn me down?" The second he grabbed her collar, Emma couldn't take it anymore and slapped him. Furious, he grabbed the ashtray and smashed it down on her head. "You bitch!" Searing pain shot through Emma as warm liquid trickled down her face. Her vision blurred, but she fought back with everything she had. During the chaos, she managed to knock him out and escape. She stumbled onto the road, only to get slammed by a car going at full speed. … The sharp smell of disinfectant hit Emma's nose as she struggled to open her eyes. The nurse was adjusting the IV drip. "You're awake? You've been seriously injured and need surgery. Do you have anyone you can contact to sign the consent form?" Emma's hand trembled as she reached for the nightstand. The screen lit up, and she subconsciously opened her contacts. Her finger hovered over "Tyler" for a moment before she hit the call button. No one picked up the first time. She tried again, but no one answered. On the third attempt, Janice's sweet voice came through the receiver. "Hello? Emma?" Emma's fingernails dug into her palm. Janice giggled. "Tyler is making me some herbal tea. He already gave you to Henry like it was nothing. Why are you still calling?" The faint sound of a spoon hitting a teacup came through the line. "You had your fun, and now he's with me. Stop humiliating yourself and ruining our time together." The line beeped sharply. When Emma called again, Tyler's phone had been switched off. She stared at the ceiling and suddenly burst out in laughter. As she kept laughing, tears slipped down her temples and into her hair. The nurse looked at Emma with concern. "Ms. Young." Emma replied, her voice coming out in a rasp, "I'll sign it." … When Emma woke up again, dusk had already fallen outside the window. As she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the white, cold ceiling. She slowly turned her head and saw no one by the bed. The chair next to the bed sat exactly where it had been, which meant Tyler hadn't visited. She should have felt heartbroken. Oddly enough, her bloody mess of a heart just felt hollow and numb. She took out her phone, opened her notes, and typed, "The 99th favor—I took a hit for Janice." She only had one more task left. When it was over, she could leave for good.