4
Ethan’s voice was soft, almost gentle—but his eyes were ice.
“Fifty minutes, Luna. That’s all you’ve got.”
My face drained of color.
I stammered, voice trembling,”If I don’t find Chloe… you’ll really kill my mom?”
He leaned in, close enough to see my reflection trembling in his dark eyes.
“Try me.”
My whole body shook. The tears I’d held back for so long finally broke free, hot and fast.
“Ethan!” I cried.”She’s my mom! The most important person in my life! You can’t do this!”
He laughed softly, chilling.”Chloe is the most important person to me too.”
I froze.”Most important? More important than me? Than my mom?”
His expression didn’t change.
“Chloe gave her virginity for me. Sacrificed herself for a Healing Ritual to save my life. She’s my benefactor. You… you’ll always be the one I love most. Didn’t I say I’d send her away once the ritual was done? Couldn’t you just wait? Did you have to go after her?”
A cold, sharp stab went through my chest.
Loved me most? My ass.
He faked being sick for a side piece—and now my mother’s life was on the line?
I was done with his lies.
Then a bodyguard burst in.”Mr. Carter! We found Ms. Davis!”
Ethan snatched his suit jacket and vanished.
“What about my mom?!” I lunged for his pant leg.”Let her go!”
He glanced back, eyes cold as glaciers.
“Abandoned warehouse. East NYC. Go find her yourself.”
I tore out the door, driving like hell.
I found her. The bomb strapped to her chest was still ticking—relentless, merciless.
One minute left.
I ripped the tape from her mouth, trembling as I fumbled with the ropes.
“I’m not leaving you, Mom!” I cried.
“Luna… forget about me! Just go!” she begged, frantic.
Panic surged. My hands shook.”I can’t—I won’t—”
Suddenly, Mom shoved me hard. She kicked off her feet, and the chair tipped backward—
“Mom—!” I screamed, gut twisting.
The explosion hit. Heat slammed into me, throwing me to the ground. Blood red everywhere.
Hospital.
Mom clung to life. Critical. No guarantee she’d wake.
I fell to my knees, tears streaming.
“Mom… I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I dragged you into this…”
I whispered apologies over and over, but she didn’t move.
Hours ago, her hand had been warm in mine. Her voice a gentle comfort.
Now… motionless. Lifeless.
And him. The man who swore he loved me.
I cried myself raw, screamed until my throat burned, then passed out.
When I woke, my hand was in someone else’s. Ethan. Standing by my bed.
Soft, ridiculously soft.
“I’m so sorry, Luna. Misunderstanding. Chloe’s phone died—that’s all. We couldn’t reach her. I… I messed up. I was too impulsive.”
I yanked my hand away. Cold irony twisted through me.
This was his “greatest love”?
He’d kidnapped my mom because Chloe didn’t pick up her phone. He didn’t even check first.
Bloodshot eyes, rough voice.”Luna… don’t be mad. You went after her before, so I… I assumed it had to be you. Hit me, yell at me, whatever you want…
BANG!
The door burst open. Chloe stormed in, red—eyed, puffy.
“Mrs. Carter! It’s my fault! Don’t blame Mr. Carter…”
She dropped to her knees, sobbing, tears streaming.”If I’d charged my phone, he wouldn’t have worried, wouldn’t have kidnapped your mom. She wouldn’t be like this…”
My nails dug into my palms. She was here to rub it in.
I was about to throw her out when Ethan bent down, voice impossibly gentle, helping her up.
“It’s not your fault, Chloe. Don’t cry. It’s not good for you.”
Watching them, my heart went icy.
Mom nearly died. She’s in a coma, fighting for her life. And he worries about another woman’s tears? How twisted is that?
“GET OUT!” My voice tore through the room, raw.
“Both of you. Get the hell out!”
Ethan froze.”Luna…”
“GET OUT!”
I smashed the vase on the nightstand.
Ethan rose.”Luna, calm down. I’ll make it right later this week.”
He shielded Chloe and led her out.
The door clicked shut.
I collapsed, sobbing, raw.
I don’t want compensation.
I don’t want anything.
All I want… is for Mom to open her eyes, just once more.
