My body couldn't stop trembling.

One of his men, Leo escorted me out of the room. Alone.

Callum and his men had left the building, but I didn't expect he was that powerful. My stomach was churning, and I feel like I'm about to throw up.

Had I known that he was that powerful, I would've never signed that deal with my past being used as a leverage. There is a reason why I refuse to talk about my family and kept my secret hidden. But someone like Callum Black has the power to just ruin my darkest secret with just a snap.

My mind suddenly thought of Amy. I hope she knows that I'm okay because she gets worried too much and I don't want to have her panicked. 

"We need to go, Miss Ruth. This way." He had let me out of the room and escorted me into one of I'm assuming, Callum's car.

"Where is Amy?" I asked worriedly. I know Amy is the type to get worried easily and I don't want to have her panicked. "Miss Jane has been escorted home."

"So you told my best friend that I met someone in the club and she believed you?" I found it very hard to believe when he told her that a strange man sent her home safely. 

"She has been told that you received a call from your company for a work emergency. And understood that you needed to return home." He said while having his eyes on the road. "I assure you there will be no harm on her and one of my men will update me when she is safely returned home."

"Miss Ruth, things aren't as dire as they seem. Callum is a decent man. What you witnessed was a terrible night," Leo assured me from my right."A terrible night? Your interpretation of that is nearly beating a man to death," my breathing grew heavy as I responded. 

"Have you ever considered the context? Why Mr. Brown found himself in that confrontation?" he questioned with curiosity. His raised eyebrow caught my attention when I shifted my gaze to him. 

"No, I didn't. I was preoccupied with securing my past by agreeing to stay silent," I stared intensely at the blonde. How could he even try to justify Callum's actions? 

"Well, let me assure you, there's a reason behind it. If you uphold your end of the bargain and remain silent, you'll be fine," he said as though it was the simplest solution. 

"You do realise how messed up that is, don't you? I shouldn't have to do anything except call the authorities and have that man arrested," I rolled my eyes and turned them away, focusing on the scenery outside my window. 

"You see—" he began, but I cut in, saying, "Yes, I understand he has numerous connections. Yes, I know I need to keep quiet. Yes, Leo, I'm well aware."

Exhausted. I was utterly drained. Constant vigilance and composure had worn me down.

I was weary of these conversations with men and just fatigued in general.

He dropped the topic and didn't attempt further conversation. He turned his head towards his own window, signaling the end of the discussion.

I managed to steady my trembling hands slightly and used the moment to my advantage. Retrieving my clutch, which had somehow made its way back to me, I retrieved my phone. Glancing at the time, it was around 1 am.

Sighing, I returned the phone to my clutch and observed the passing scene, eager to reach home.

The car ride seemed longer than I desired. I felt trapped, compelled to dwell longer. I'm just so tired.

Upon exiting the car, Leo reminded me of our deal and then abruptly sped away after slamming the door.

My hands, still trembling slightly, turned the key to my apartment door. Stepping inside, I left both my clutch and key on the small entry table before making my way to my room.

Starting with a lone tear that had trickled down my cheek, I felt my composure crumble entirely. Curling up on my bed, I released my emotions.

Tears flowed continuously from my eyes, and my body convulsed with the intensity of my sobs. I had put in so much effort, worked tirelessly to become self-reliant and break free from my past. And the one evening I allowed myself some fun, it all went awry.

I must have remained curled up for what felt like hours, even though it was probably only around 30 minutes. Deep breaths. I inhaled deeply, calming my racing heart. My hands eventually stopped shaking, and the tears dried up. Getting up, I pushed myself to the bathroom to clean up.

After a shower and a change of clothes, I wandered into my living room to turn off the lights and double-check the front door's lock.

As I did, a notification caught my eye on my phone. It was a message from an unknown number. I frowned, wondering how this person got my number.

The message read:

Unknown: Missing me already, love? Looking forward to our meeting this Friday, Miss Ruth. Don't mess it up.

That motherfucker.