Madeleine POV :

Chapter 15 – Madeleine POV

September 16

I was sitting on my appartment balcony, tending to my plants, enjoying the rare moment of peace that i have . A small mirror near the window reflected my face—long, curly yet messy red hair, freckles scattered across my cheeks, and tired green eyes.

I sighed and stepped inside , to check the time on my phone.

A message from Marc, "my boyfriend ". Well its 3 years now that we are together , i want to broke up with him but i'm afraid ...

"You act weird these days why ?... I love you, Madeleine. Why are you ignoring me respond baby please ?"

The first one was normal.

Then another:

"Answer me, or you will regret it Madeleine ."

And the last one sent a chill down my spine:

"I'm coming to your apartment i know your adress darling don't forget that . You will regret ignoring me!"

I clenched my jaw. He was always like this—violent, controlling. That's why I had fallen for someone else. Someone softer. Someone who, at least, made me feel safe.

The doorbell rang. My stomach twisted.

He's here already?

His house is not that close to come in one minute ! .

I braced myself, preparing for yet another fight. But when I opened the door, it wasn't Marc.

It was a woman. Two woman .

A gorgeous woman, with long black hair and piercing black eyes. Behind her stood another woman—shorter, but cute, with shoulder-length brown hair and warm hazel eyes.

I frowned. "Who are you?"

The black-haired woman smiled slightly. "Madeleine, right? I'm Letty, and this is Julia my friend ."

I crossed my arms. "Sorry, do I know you?"

Letty's smile didn't waver. "Let's go inside first don't leave us in front of the door ."

Without waiting for my response, she walked past me and entered my apartment as if she owned the place. Julia followed, settling onto my orange color sofa.

Julia spoke first. "We need to talk. You work at Best Auto society , right?"

Letty tilted her head. "And you're in a toxic relationship with a certain Marc, aren't you?"

I froze.

How did they know?

How she know him his name ! 

Panic surged through me. My voice trembled. "What the hell? Did marc send you ? How do you know that? Get out, or I'm calling the police!"

Letty stood up. She walked toward me slowly, her presence overwhelming. "Not a good idea," she murmured. "I know all your secrets. Including…"

Then she whispered his name.

My breath hitched. Only he and I knew about that.

How?

no one know about US !

I felt my knees weaken, my body shaking. Letty smiled, tilting her head. "But lucky for you, I'm not here to ruin your life. In fact, I'm here to help you… if you help us first."

I hesitated before slowly sitting at the edge of my sofa. "What do you want?"

Julia leaned forward. "Resign from Best Auto. Tomorrow."

I shot up, nearly screaming. "What? No! That's my job for years ! I need the money, and I actually like it!"

Letty's expression hardened. "If you want your little secret to stay buried forever , you'll do as we say."

Julia stood up as well, pulling something from her bag—a stack of cash.

"$20,000 upfront. And $2,000 every month after that. You'll be able to leave San Francisco, live comfortably, and when everything is over, you can come back… if you want its only for a few months ."

She smiled warmly, as if she were offering me a dream an offer that i can't decline .

I stared at the money, my heart pounding. $20,000? $2,000 per month? Without working? My salary at Best Auto was only $1,200 per month and i was working all day more than sharon ! "

Letty smirked. "And you can finally break free from Marc ."

Marc… our toxic relationship.

A fresh start. No fear. No more fights

Disappearing would be perfect.

Julia held out a new phone. "Leave yours here. We'll give you another one."

I hesitated. "My phone too? I… I can't accept this money new phone why ? you want something from doing this right ? ."

Letty's face darkened. "Listen, Madeleine. Do as we say, or everyone will know your little secret."

Her voice was smooth, but there was no room for argument.

I was afraid at that moment cause if someone else will know my secret it will be the end of me ...

Julia chimed in, her tone softer. "seriously We're helping you, you know. You should be happy."

I lowered my head. I had no choice. i need to accept . 

Letty spoke again. "As for your old phone—leave it on your desk at Best Auto."

I looked up. "Why? Why are you doing this?"

Letty's expression didn't change. "Just do as I say. You're free now. Free from Marc. Free from your secrets."

That day, I accepted their deal.

I did exactly as they said.

And now, I'm far away in Dallas city , trying to forget everything, marc but Not Him ! .

 For my secret relationship… I still love him.

I wanted to know why they did this, but maybe the money blinded me.

But for now, I just need to disappear.

But I will comeback !