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

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

I froze in my spot, gripping the phone so tightly that my knuckles turned white. His tone was steady, unnervingly calm, but the subtle edge to his words sent shivers down my spine. What did he mean by five minutes? And why did it sound like a threat wrapped in a sickly sweet nickname?

My heartbeat quickened in fear after hearing his voice. I knew I had to go, or things would turn bad—but how? I was never the kind of girl who ventured outside much. Even if I needed something, I would wait for my father to buy it. Leaving the house in this manner felt foreign and utterly terrifying. Biting my lips repeatedly, I paced back and forth, my gaze darting to the closed window. Finally, I decided. Slowly, I opened the window and looked down.

The distance wasn't far—my home was small with just one floor—but I was still scared. My hands trembled as I kept looking down. Then, the phone rang again.

I picked it up, biting my lips, my eyes still cast downward. My focus remained on reaching the ground safely.

" Butterfly," Rhys spoke, his voice deep and calm this time.

I just hummed, not removing my gaze.

"Oh, it was an illusion."

"For f***'s sake, are you thinking of jumping?" he said angrily.

I answered truthfully with a small, trembling, "Yes."

"You should've told me. I would've pushed you myself," he said sarcastically.

Unknowingly, I lowered my head, and a pout of sadness formed on my lips.

"I would have died then..." I mumbled, forgetting his presence on the call.

"And that's what I want, butterfly. JUST STAY THERE FOR F***'S SAKE!" he suddenly shouted, his voice harsh and demanding.

A small sob escaped my mouth, and tears filled my eyes again.

"DON'T YOU DARE START CRYING NOW!" he yelled louder this time.

"Oh, I hate it," he muttered under his breath. I heard him.

Stepping away from the window, I stood there, frozen.

Within a few minutes, I heard faint noises outside. I quickly ran to the window, only to see him climbing up the decorative designs on the wall.

As he neared the top, he paused and looked at me for a moment before frowning.

"CAN YOU F***ING MOVE? MY HAND IS SLIPPING!" he shouted.

I flinched, quickly stepping away from the window, and he climbed inside. My head lowered in fear and sadness.

Rhys glanced at me before muttering, "Annoying."

He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door. He opened it slowly, scanning the surroundings. After ensuring no one was around, he dragged me outside. My face paled in fear.

"No, mo...m d...ad w...ill se...e us," I stuttered in panic.

"Shut up and just follow me, butterfly, or it won't be good," he ordered.

I clamped my mouth shut instantly. I wasn't following him—he was dragging me. My feet froze at every spot where he stopped to check for anyone nearby.

We were near the door when I heard my mom's voice. She was asking Dad about his dirty shirt.

Opening the door quickly, Rhys pulled me out of the house. He sighed, while I made a crying expression, my fear intensifying at the thought of being caught.

Rhys tightened his grip on my hand and dragged me toward his car. Opening the door, he pushed me inside. I obeyed, sitting silently. My mind was still stuck on the thought of sneaking out of my home with him.

Rhys started the car and made a sharp U-turn, driving at a frightening speed.

I quickly grabbed the seatbelt and fastened it tightly around my waist. His face was stern, his jaw clenched, and his hands worked professionally with each turn and twist.

The speed increased, making me more scared. I was on the verge of tears.

"C..an yo...u plea...se slow.. down," I stammered.

He turned his head slightly toward me. "WHAT?" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the wind and engine noise.

"CAN YOU PLEASE SLOW DOWN?" I shouted, tears streaming down my face.

He made a clicking sound with his tongue but slowed down. Then, without warning, he stopped the car abruptly.

His eyes darkened, and a smirk played on his lips. A wave of dread washed over me.

"Are you scared, butterfly?" he asked.

I didn't answer. Instead, I lowered my head, small hiccups escaping my mouth.

He chuckled. "Oh, this is going to be a fun, long ride, butterfly."

Starting the car again, he sped up, his laughter echoing in the confined space.

I pressed myself against the seat, my nails digging into the seatbelt as loud sobs left my lips.

"RHYS, PLEASE STOP!" I screamed.

"PLEASE STOP! I'M NOT FEELING WELL!" I begged repeatedly.

But he didn't listen. The unease in my stomach grew stronger until I couldn't hold it in anymore. My stomach emptied in his car, spilling onto my dress.

He stopped the car with a sudden jerk, making me feel worse.

"WHAT THE F***?! SHIT! MY CAR!" he yelled.

I cried harder, overwhelmed by sickness and guilt.

"I w...il...l c...lean..." I stuttered through my sobs.

He unbuckled his seatbelt, slammed the door, and got out.

I felt utterly ill, clutching my stomach tightly as tears poured down my face. I wanted my mom and dad—nothing else—but they weren't there. Only Rhys was, yet now, he wasn't even in sight.

A sudden fear gripped me. What if he left me here because he was disgusted? The thought made me cry harder.

"Rhys... please don't leave me here," I whimpered, even though I was convinced he had already gone.

Closing my eyes, I tried to accept the situation when a knock startled me.

I opened my eyes to see Rhys standing outside the window.

"Rhys..." I whispered before breaking into sobs again.

"WHY THE F*** ARE YOU CRYING AGAIN?!" he shouted, shoving two water bottles into my hands.

With trembling hands, I took them. Loud sobs still escaped my lips as he opened the door and gestured for me to step out.

Slowly, I got out, cleaning my mouth first and then my clothes and the car. It wasn't enough to get the mess off completely. Rhys grabbed a dirty cloth from the backseat and tossed it at my head.

Using it, I cleaned the car thoroughly. Finally, I stopped crying.

"Th...ank y..ou," I said quietly.

He didn't respond.

"F***, this is the worst day," he muttered, sitting inside the car again.

"Today, I'm in a good mood, so I'll spare you the chaos... cuties..."