Chapter 4: Bound and Broken (And Nowhere to Run)

I barely slept. How could I? Every time I closed my eyes, I felt Ashwin's hands on me, and heard his cruel laughter echoing in my ears. The fear, the helplessness—it's all consuming me, wrapping around my chest like a vice.

But I have to go back. I have to face him. Face them. Because what choice do I have? 

The sun barely peeks over the horizon as I drag myself to Mercer Industries, my steps heavy with dread. I feel like I'm walking into a lion's den, but this time, I know exactly who the lions are. And I know how dangerous they can be.

The elevator ride to the executive floor feels like a march to the gallows. My stomach turns with every floor we pass, and by the time the doors slide open, I'm barely holding it together.

He's waiting for me. Tate Mercer, in all his cold, cruel glory, leaning against the doorframe of his office. His eyes light up with that twisted amusement when he sees me—like I'm a toy he's just waiting to break.

"Morning, Sparky," he says mockingly. "How's my little firecracker today?"

The nickname stings, and I flinch, but I force myself to stand tall. "Don't call me that."

"Oh, but I think it suits you," he replies, pushing off the doorframe and sauntering towards me. "You've got a bit of a spark, don't you? Pity it's so easily extinguished."

I grit my teeth, trying to hold on to what little strength I have left. "I'm done. I'm quitting."

He stops in front of me, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Quitting? You think it's that easy?"

"I'm serious," I say, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to keep it steady. "I can't stay here. I won't."

Tate tilts his head, his gaze raking over me with a cold, calculating intensity. "And where will you go, Sparky? Back to that sad little apartment of yours? Or maybe you'll run to Mommy and Daddy, let them take care of you?"

His words hit like daggers, each one sinking deeper into the cracks in my armor. How does he know so much about me? "I'll figure something out."

He steps closer, so close I can feel his breath on my skin. "You're not going anywhere, Cadence. You're mine now. Bound to this company, to me. You leave, and I'll ruin you. I'll destroy your life, your family, everything you care about. Do you understand?"

His voice is low, almost gentle, but the threat is as clear as day. My heart hammers in my chest. I'm trapped. There's no way out. 

I swallow hard, tears burning the back of my eyes. "Why? Why are you doing this?"

"Because I can," he says simply, as if that's all the reason he needs. "And because you tried to play a game you were never meant to win. Now, you're going to pay the price."

I feel the last of my resolve crumbling, the fight draining out of me. But even as I stand there, broken and defeated, something deep inside refuses to give in completely. I might be trapped, but I won't let him break my spirit. Not completely. Not yet.

I nod, my voice barely a whisper. "Fine. I'll stay."

A slow, satisfied smile spreads across his face. "Good girl. Now, get to work. You have a long day ahead."

I turn on my heel, forcing myself to walk away, to put one foot in front of the other. But every step feels heavier than the last, as if the ground is trying to swallow me whole.

$$$—$$$

The day drags on, each minute stretching into eternity. I'm a robot, going through the motions as my mind remains a numb blur. But underneath it all, the fear, the anger, the helplessness, it's all simmering, bubbling just under my skin.

By the time night falls, I'm on autopilot; my body moves on its own, cleaning the same floors, the same offices. But tonight, the fear is different. It's not just about Tate, about the nightmare I'm trapped in. It's about Ashwin. 

I haven't seen him all day, but I know he's there, lurking somewhere, waiting. And that thought keeps me on edge, every creak, every whisper of sound setting my nerves on fire.

I'm in one of the offices, mindlessly wiping down a desk when I hear it—the slow, deliberate footsteps, the same ones that haunted me last night. My blood runs cold and my heart thunders in my chest.

"Cadence," the voice coos, sending a shiver down my spine. 

I turn slowly, my hands trembling, and there he is—Ashwin Parker, the devil in a suit, looking every bit amused and having a darker, predatory grin in his eyes.

"Please," I whisper, my voice cracking. "Leave me alone."

He smirks, taking a slow step towards me. "Oh, I don't think so, Candy. Tate might think you're his little toy now, but he's not the only one who gets to play."

"Don't," I plead, backing away until I hit the wall, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps.

But he doesn't stop. He continues walking closer, the scent of alcohol strong on his breath. "You made a mistake, Cadence," he says, his voice soft, almost tender, but there's nothing kind about it. "And I was sent to give you a warning."

Before I can react, he's on me. His rough hands trap my body to the wall. I struggle, panic clawing at my throat, but he's too strong, too determined.

"Stop," I cry, my voice muffled as he shoves a sweat-coated, his sweat no doubt, handkerchief into my mouth, silencing me.

His grip tightens, and he pushes me down, pinning me to the floor, his weight crushing me. I try to fight, to scream, but it's useless. I'm powerless, trapped under him as he takes what he wants, as he tears away the last shred of control I thought I had.

I yell and beg but he doesn't stop, doesn't show mercy.

And as the darkness closes in, as the pain and fear swallow me whole, I realize the truth—I'm nothing to them. Just a plaything, a toy in their twisted playground. And there's no escape.