RECAP Maya, confused by Rhys's words and actions, asked him if he somehow loved her. Rhys replied by saying he doesn't love her but hates her pathetic self, wanting nothing more than to destroy her again and again until he feels satisfied.

After that, Rhys, wanting to drop Maya off, took her near his car. But suddenly, Maya saw her father's car and ran towards it, leaving Rhys standing there. His eyes darkened as he stared at the departing car, rooted in place.

Maya was at her house when, suddenly, the doorbell rang. Maya's mother opened the door, and upon seeing who it was, Maya froze in place...

Now Lets Continue :

I lay down on my bed for a few minutes, then stepped out towards the kitchen when the doorbell rang.

I looked at the door curiously as Mom opened it slowly, and my eyes widened in shock...

"Rhys..." I whispered as his gaze met mine and then shifted to Mom. He smiled at her.

"Who?" Mom asked.

"Maya's friend," he said. Mom frowned but reverted to a polite smile and invited him inside. She made him sit on the sofa, where he sat as if it were his own home. Dad came in, arching an eyebrow at him, but Mom explained he was my friend. I wanted to deny it but couldn't.

Mom and Dad sat opposite him, and I quietly took a seat far from Rhys.

"Maya..." Rhys said in his deep voice.

"Y...yeah," I replied, stuttering.

"You forgot this," he said, showing me a book I'd never seen before. Still, I slowly nodded.

"Thank you, and I'm sorry for troubling you," I said softly, clenching my fists.

He smiled creepily and said, "Oh, forget it. It's my duty to take care of my junior's things."

"What's your name, son?" Dad asked.

"Rhys Bernard."

Dad's eyes widened, and he turned to me. I gulped—it was awkward and scary.

"Then I'll go..." Rhys said.

"No, no... you've come here for the first time. Wait, I'll make something for you," Mom said, getting up.

"It's okay, Aunty, I'll come some other time," Rhys replied quickly.

He stood up, looked at me with his dark gaze, and left.

Mom and Dad turned toward me.

"What was that, Maya?" Mom asked.

"I... I just forgot this book, Mom, and he wanted to return it. I didn't know he would come home..." I replied, cursing myself for stuttering.

Mom held my hands warmly and said, "I'm glad you made a friend, sweetie. Aren't we, honey?"

Mom looked at Dad, who stayed silent before saying, "Yes, baby, we are. But don't offend him, okay? They are powerful."

I nodded, gulping. What was happening?

I went to the kitchen, grabbed a cold water bottle, and gulped it to calm myself.

"DON'T DRINK THE COLD WATER, MAYA. YOUR FEVER HAS JUST RECOVERED," Mom shouted. I quickly closed the bottle and left it.

Dinner was filled with daily talks, and I finally walked into my room. My heart dropped in fear as a loud gasp escaped my lips.

Rhys was sitting on my bed like he owned it, staring at me darkly. I froze, and he smirked.

"Close the door, butterfly," he ordered sternly. My legs weakened.

"N...o," I whispered.

He clapped his hands once, sighed, and stood up, stepping closer. I backed away with every step he took.

"P...le...ase le...ave," I stuttered, tears streaming down.

"What did you think, butterfly? That you could leave, and I'd let you?" His tone grew darker, more dominating.

Before I knew it, I was near the railing. My bare feet touched the metal, sending chills down my spine.

"D...on't co...me clo...ser," I whimpered.

I turned, trying to call for my parents, when he suddenly grabbed my hand.

The door slammed shut with a loud thud.

"MAYA, DON'T PLAY AROUND WITH DOORS," Mom called from downstairs. A loud cry left my mouth as Rhys squeezed my cheeks painfully, his dark eyes locking onto my tear-streaked face.

"Take out another sound, butterfly, and see what I'll do," he warned.

"Y...es," I whispered.

He let go, walking around my room before standing by the window.

"Come here, Maya," he commanded. Trembling, I obeyed, taking small steps.

"You made a mistake, butterfly. You know that, right?" he said. I nodded, lowering my head.

"Then on your knees, butterfly."

I clenched my sleeves tightly and dropped to my knees. His piercing gaze never left me as he crouched, lifting my chin forcefully to meet his eyes.

"Maya..." he whispered before smirking. He pushed a small pot off the window. My eyes widened in fear.

"Your time starts now, butterfly. Make me forgive you before your mom gets here," he said.

Panic set in. My body shivered as I clasped my hands and cried.

"Please forgive me. I won't do it again. I'm sorry," I begged, glancing between him and the door.

"I AM SORRY! PLEASE LEAVE!" I sobbed louder, but he smirked.

Knocks echoed on the door.

"Maya, what's this noise?" Mom asked.

My knees gave out, and I slumped onto the floor, crying.

"Tch... pathetic," Rhys muttered, grabbing my hair and yanking my head up.

"I want you out of your house in ten minutes, butterfly, or I'll come back and take you myself," he threatened before jumping out the window.

"Maya," Mom called again.

I pushed myself up, wiped my tears, and walked to the door, biting my lip.

Opening it, Mom arched an eyebrow and walked in.

"Mom..." I whispered.

"Oh my god, what happened to my vase?" Mom gasped, looking at the broken shards.

"I was in the bathroom..." I lied, lowering my head.

"Why'd you leave the window open? A cat must've come in. Now look, your favorite vase is broken," she said, closing the windows.

"It's okay, Mom. I'll clean it up," I said.

Mom nodded and left.

I stared at the vase and then at the window. Stepping closer, I looked outside.

Rhys's car sat there. The headlights flashed on and off, signaling me. I quickly backed away.

Suddenly, my phone rang, making me jump.

An unknown number appeared on the screen. My trembling hands swiped to answer.

"H...ell...o," I stammered.

"You have five minutes more butterfly," Rhys's chilling voice commanded.

Don't forget to vote, cuties! 💕 Also, sorry for the delay in updates. I was out of town for my cousin's wedding, but I'll be back home tomorrow, and updates will be regular again.