Dream

Y/N's POV

Emma: "I'm so happy, Y/N! Finally, we'll live together like we did in the orphanage." She smiled, opening the window, enjoying the fresh air.

"Mmm… yeah." I responded in a low tone, not really in the mood to talk.

Emma glanced at me and sighed.

Emma: "Y/N, I know you're scared right now, but trust me, you're safe here. No one is going to hurt you… I'm always here for you." She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a comforting hug.

I hugged her back, grateful for her warmth.

Emma: "I—" She hesitated, about to say something, but suddenly, her phone rang.

Emma: "Ugh… Max. I have to take this call."

I nodded as she answered.

On the call:

Emma: "Hello, baby— What?! Ugh… okay, okay, I'll meet you tomorrow. Yeah, bye."

She hung up and sighed, rubbing her forehead before sitting down on the bed.

Emma: "I'm so sick of this guy."

"Sick of him? What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

Emma groaned and crossed her arms.

Emma: "Max is going on a business trip… again."

"Oh… okay? So?"

Emma: "Y/N, he always does this! Every time we plan a romantic date, something comes up—boring meetings, business trips… whatever. It's like our plans don't even matter." She rolled her eyes in frustration.

"Oh… but where are you going tomorrow?" I asked.

Emma: "Ugh, actually… he wants to meet me before he leaves."

"Oh, okay…"

Emma took a deep breath and then forced a smile.

Emma: "Anyway! Feel free to take a shower. I'll cook something nice for us."

I nodded as she got up and walked toward the door, but before leaving, she turned back to me.

Emma: "Oh, and you have to go to the café tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah."

Emma: "I actually have a bicycle. If you want, take it. I left the keys on the table. And please remember to lock the door. I have an extra key, so don't worry."

"Really? Thanks!" I smiled, feeling a little relieved. 'At least I won't have to run to work.'

She grinned before walking out of the room.

I took a long shower, letting the warm water relax me before changing into something casual. After drying my hair, I went to the kitchen and saw that dinner was already ready.

Emma: "Come, come! Sorry, I just made noodles and ordered some chicken."

"It's okay," I said, sitting beside her.

We ate together while watching a movie, trying to enjoy the night. Soon after, we went to bed. Before sleeping, Emma mentioned that she'd be leaving at 5 AM and wouldn't be back until 7 PM.

---

The Nightmare

"No… please don't hit me… please… I beg you." I trembled as he grabbed me by the neck, his grip tightening.

??? "YOU DARE TO TOUCH MY GIRLFRIEND?!"

With a furious roar, he punched me hard across the face, making my vision blur. The air in my lungs vanished as his hands squeezed my throat tighter.

"I-I… I-I… ahh—"

I wanted to scream that I couldn't breathe, but the words wouldn't come out.

Suddenly, he threw me onto the floor. I gasped and clutched my neck, coughing violently, but before I could recover, he stormed toward me and kicked me in the stomach—again and again.

Pain shot through my entire body.

??? "I'LL KILL YOU TODAY!!!"

He kicked me even harder. I coughed, and blood spilled from my mouth.

"I-I'm s-sorry… L-Lucas…" I choked out, my voice barely a whisper.

But he didn't stop. He just smirked.

I watched in horror as he reached into his pocket and pulled out something small… metallic…

My eyes widened in terror.

A g-gun.

??? "SORRY?!" His eyes were burning red with rage. "I TOLD YOU BEFORE, Y/N… MARRY ME. WHY DON'T YOU LOVE ME?!"

My heart pounded. He pulled the trigger.

"AHH—!!!"

I screamed and jolted upright in bed, gasping for air. My entire body was trembling as I frantically looked around. My hands ran over my stomach, searching for blood.

Nothing.

It was a nightmare.

"T-Thank God." I exhaled shakily, running a hand through my damp hair.

Sweat covered my body, and my heart was still racing. My breathing was unsteady. The nightmare felt so real. I could still feel the pain in my ribs, the fear gripping my chest.

I sat frozen for a moment before looking at the clock—6:00 AM.

"Don't sleep, Y/N… just don't sleep."

Shivering, I got out of bed and took another shower, hoping the cold water would wake me up. After drying off, I dressed in a blue shirt and black jeans, brushing my hair while staring at my reflection.

I tried not to cry.

But I was breaking inside.

"I can't let anyone know." I whispered to myself, swallowing the lump in my throat.

I splashed water on my face again before heading to the kitchen. I made breakfast, but I knew Emma was already gone.

After eating, I checked my phone.

"I have an hour before work." I sighed.

I grabbed the keys, locked the door, and walked outside. The parking lot wasn't far, and soon I found Emma's black bicycle. Unlocking it, I hopped on and started pedaling toward the park—my usual place when I felt lost.

After fifteen minutes, I arrived, parking the bicycle before sitting on my favorite bench.

I tried to push the nightmare out of my head.

But it wouldn't leave.

"I hate him."

I clenched my fists, shaking my head as if it would help me forget. But the memories—his voice—kept playing over and over again.

The whispers…

The pain…

The fear.

I squeezed my eyes shut, but the voices only grew louder.

"NO!! NO!!" I screamed, clutching my ears, trying to block them out.

My chest tightened—I couldn't breathe. I stood up, trying to shake the feeling off, but before I could take another step…

Darkness.

Everything faded.

The last thing I heard before losing consciousness was a panicked voice calling my name.

??? "Y/N…?!"

And then, nothing.