Chapter 3

"Just let her go!"

The hands released my head.

I collapsed to the floor, and everything went black.

I was barely conscious, struggling to make sense of what was happening.

Then Zoey spoke up, her voice suddenly turning wistful.

"Our last party got ruined. Such a shame."

"How about we make up for it with another party today?"

The moment she finished speaking, the room erupted in laughter and enthusiastic agreement.

Xavier hauled me up and shoved me into the car.

My ears were still ringing when his icy voice cut through the haze.

"Chloe Lockhart, Zoey's being generous enough to let this go. Don't you dare cause any more trouble."

"Xavier Sheldon, I got rid of the baby."

My throat was raw, and every word hurt, but I forced them out anyway.

His expression changed instantly.

"What did you say?!"

He slammed on the brakes.

Xavier turned, his face contorted with disbelief.

"Chloe Lockhart!"

"There's a limit to how far you can take a joke!"

"The baby isn't some tool for your petty jealousy!"

"I don't want to hear another word like that!"

His brows drew together, and his hands tightened around the steering wheel.

I was sprawled across the back seat, still trying to catch my breath, when he suddenly slammed his foot on the gas.

Bang.

I pitched off the seat, and a sharp pain tore through my belly.

I cried out.

But in the passenger seat, Zoey merely smiled and cranked up the volume.

The music blared so loudly that it drowned out every sound I made.

The car lurched and bounced the entire way there, leaving me nauseated and fighting the urge to throw up.

By the time we arrived, I was barely able to stand. Xavier dragged me into the same private dining room as before.

"I'll order first!"

"So, do you still want it spicy?"

"She does. Let's set her up a table all to herself."

The teasing came at me from all directions.

Exhausted and barely able to stay upright, I leaned against the wall.

A few minutes later, the dishes came out one after another.

I dragged a chair over and was just about to sit down when Zoey picked up her chopsticks and suddenly began to sniffle.

"Xavier, what can I do?"

"I think I've developed some kind of trauma around eating."

"Now, every time I see food, I remember how I went into shock from the chili that day."

"Am I never going to be able to eat normally again?"

Zoey's sobs grew louder, echoing through the room.

I was still standing beside the chair I'd dragged over, too weak even to sit down.

Someone spoke up.

"Zoey's traumatized, and it's all because your wife insisted on ordering chili dishes."

"So let's bring out some chili and have her eat it right in front of Zoey. Problem solved, right?"

The man grinned as he pulled seven cans of industrial-grade chili extract from his bag.

"Good thing I swiped a little from Xavier's place!"

The chili extract was so dark red it looked almost black. Even with the cans sealed, its pungent, acrid smell was unmistakable.

I stepped back without thinking.

Xavier suddenly blocked my way.

"Chloe, didn't you hear him?"

"Zoey's traumatized. She can't even eat!"

He locked one arm around my waist and, as casually as if he were seasoning his own dinner, poured the black-red chili extract over a bowl of rice.

"Eat it!"

"Don't make me force you!"

The acrid smell hit me so hard I could barely breathe.

I struggled hard, trying to refuse.

Xavier took advantage of my struggle and jammed the bowl against my lips.

"Mmph—"

Scalding rice drenched in industrial chili extract was forced into my mouth.

I clutched at my chest.

My face turned red as the burning sensation overwhelmed me.

"Wow! It really worked!"

"Xavier, I actually have an appetite now!"

Zoey immediately reached for the nearest dish and took a bite.

She chewed slowly before pursing her lips in displeasure.

"Xavier, one bite and I don't want any more."

"Does Chloe Lockhart have to keep eating chili before I can get food down…?"

Her voice was soft and apologetic, as though she felt guilty for asking.