Chapter 4

I remembered Chloe' s hands on me just days ago, feigning concern as she "helped" me dress after a bout of Dissonance. Her touch then felt like care. Now, I knew it was the touch of a jailer, a manipulator, leading me to the slaughter. How could she covet this status, knowing the pain it brought if the bond wasn't perfect? Or did she think her love for Liam was so pure it would be effortless?

I heard them then, moans from the bedroom, my old bedroom. Chloe' s laughter, Liam' s deeper tones. The sound twisted something inside me, a fresh wave of disgust. I had to get that money for Mr. Henderson.

"Chloe!" I yelled, my voice raw.

They emerged, wrapped in silk robes, Chloe' s hair tousled. Liam smirked.

"What do you want, Alex?" Chloe asked, her voice bored.

"My savings," I said. "For Mr. Henderson. He's sick."

Liam stepped forward. "Your savings? Why would you need money? Planning to run off and cause trouble?"

"It's my money, Liam," I said, trying to keep my voice even.

"It belongs to the Continuum now, Alex," Chloe said coolly. "Everything you had is part of the Prime Beneficiary package. Our package."

I stared at her, the woman I thought I knew. She was a stranger, a monster. "He needs it, Chloe. He was like a grandfather to me."

"Tough luck," Liam said. He then feigned generosity. "Look, I'll spot you a few credits." He reached into his pocket, then "tripped," his credits scattering. "Oh, clumsy me. Alex, you made me drop them!"

Chloe lunged. "How dare you, Alex!" She shoved me hard. I stumbled back, my arm hitting a coffee pot on the counter. Scalding liquid splashed over my hand. The pain was intense, real even in this simulation.

"Now look what you did!" Chloe shrieked, pointing at Liam, who was clutching his ankle, feigning agony. "You injured Liam!"

I was speechless. Powerless.

"You want money?" Chloe sneered. "Fine. Apologize to Liam. Publicly. Here. Now. On your knees. Beg him for forgiveness."

My mind went blank. Mr. Henderson. His kind eyes, his gentle smile. I needed that money. I took a breath. "Liam, I... I am sorry."

Chloe laughed, a harsh, ugly sound. "Not good enough. On your knees, Alex. Perform a kowtow. Show some real remorse."

Disbelief warred with desperation. Kowtow? Here? To them? But Mr. Henderson... I sank to my knees. I pressed my forehead to the cool, simulated floor. The humiliation burned worse than the coffee. I bit my tongue to stop from screaming.

Chloe dropped a few credit chips on the floor in front of me. "Crawl for it, Alex. If you want it so badly."

I looked at the chips. My pride was already shattered. I crawled. My fingers closed over the paltry sum.

"Despicable," Chloe spat, looking down at me.