Giselle tried to wrench free from Ezekiel's grip, but he held her tightly.

He lunged, trying to force me down. "Rebecca, quit lying! You should beg for her forgiveness."

I slapped him, spitting, "You know what? We're done! Let's break up so she stays safe."

I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm, his tone softening to a pathetic whine. "Sorry, I just freaked out. No need to break up."

I yanked free, disgusted by his hypocrisy, and pointed at Giselle. "Fine, I'll drop it, but you need to make your choice. It's either me or her."

He bit his lip. "Giselle's like a sister to me. I had no clue she had feelings for me. The one I love has always been you."

Moments ago, he was cradling Giselle like she was his whole world; now, he was distancing himself to keep me, his cash cow.

Disgusted, I shoved him away and walked off.

He paused, then chased after me. Giselle called after him, but he didn't hear it.

Back at my apartment, I slammed the door in his face, locking him out. He lingered like a dog with a bone.

Ever since I mentioned the breakup, he had stalked and pestered me, disrupting my normal life. I plotted to shake him when my phone pinged with news of Giselle's yet another suicide attempt.

My heart jackhammered as I sped to the hospital. If Ezekiel lost his mind over this, I'd once again be their tragic punching bag.

I gripped the wheel, telling myself she was faking it again. She just cherished her life too much to end it.

If I could expose her in time, I'd escape Ezekiel's knife.

Ezekiel was already at the hospital. Giselle lay in a sterile bed, strapped down with splints, tubes snaking from her arms and nose. Only her face could move, tears streaming as she mumbled Ezekiel's name.

The doctor said she'd jumped off a building, barely clinging to life. She'd likely spend the rest of her days as a vegetable.

Not buying it, I stepped closer to check, but Ezekiel shot to his feet, making me jump in surprise.

It had only been a few days since I last saw him. His face was now covered in stubble, with dark circles under his eyes. His gaze was downright terrifying. His lips curled in a cold, mocking smile that sent shivers down my spine.

At that moment, only the half-dead Giselle was in the room with us.

He dropped to one knee, pulling a ring from his pocket. "Rebecca, marry me. Giselle is like this now. I can't lose you, too."

Sweat beaded on my brow. This was my past life repeating.

I instinctively tried to refuse, but his hand reached behind him. There, a knife was tucked in his waistband. Undoubtedly, if I said no, he'd carve me up right here.

He was nothing but a psycho.

Met with my silence, he pulled the knife out and gripped it in his hand. His voice was low and menacing. "Need time to think about it?"