Ruining My Ex: Reborn as The Mayor's Sweet Nightmare

I shouldn't have slept with the professor because of my boyfriend.

The hallway outside Professor Oregan's office was unbearably quiet, except for a single flickering fluorescent bulb buzzing overhead. I stood frozen, clutching my empty folder like a flimsy shield. The collar of my blouse pinched my neck; I had buttoned it all the way up to look proper and modest.

But none of it mattered. Nothing I wore could protect me in that room.

My mind spun wildly as I hovered at the door, swallowing the sour knot of bile clawing at my throat.

Room 3B-207.

A brass nameplate sat to the side, dull with age: Professor Charles Oregan, Political Science Department Chair.

Every nerve in my body screamed at me to turn around and run. Yet, my mind dragged me back to the frantic, tear-filled argument in Williams' apartment just hours ago. He had been caught red-handed cheating on the final exam. The disciplinary board meeting was scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM. Expulsion was a guarantee. His future, his family's reputation, and our entire life together would be completely vaporized.

"Kathrine, please, just this once," his voice echoed in my head, his hands trembling violently in mine. "Professor Oregan is the Chair. He is the only one who can wipe the logs before the board meets. He's liked you for a long time... I know he's much older, but you understand, right? If I get expelled, my father will disown me. We promised we'd get married after graduation. You love me, don't you?"

I had believed him. I believed that love meant stepping into the fire so the other person wouldn't burn.

I raised my fist and knocked. Two soft taps.

The latch slid with a metallic snap, and the door creaked open. Dim light spilled into the dark hall. Professor Oregan stood in the doorway, his pale eyes crinkled with a sickening smile. He looked closer to seventy than sixty, with sparse gray hair combed carefully over his scalp.

"Miss Brown," he greeted warmly. "Come on inside."

I stepped in, and the door shut behind me with a heavy thud, the lock clicking into place. The office smelled of thick cologne layered over something damp and musty that made my stomach churn.

He gestured toward a sagging faux-leather couch. "Make yourself comfortable."

When I didn't move, Oregan crossed to his desk, flipping open a folder. "Williams is a talented student. It's a shame about the cheating accusation." He paused, casting a dark glance over my body. "But... we can make this go away, yes? You know what's expected?"

I nodded once. It was all I could manage.

"Good," he said with a smirk. "Then let's not waste time. Take off your top."

The words made the nightmare real. My fingers trembled as they rose to my buttons. One by one, they came undone. The blouse slid from my shoulders, falling to the floor. I crossed my arms over my chest instinctively, but he was already stepping forward.

His dry, wrinkled hands reached out and cupped my breasts, humming softly. "Even better than I imagined. Such a beautiful waste on a boy like Williams."

I wanted to scream at him for uttering Williams' name, but I choked it down. This was the price. The cost of keeping the man I loved in school.

Oregan's wet mouth pressed against my skin greedily, groaning as he took what wasn't his. I stared at the ceiling, fixing my eyes on a water stain in the corner, watching the flickering lightbulb. Anything but him.

"On your knees," he ordered, his eyes turning darker.

When I didn't move fast enough, his hand gripped my shoulder and shoved me down. My knees hit the thin, dusty carpet. I could smell the old coffee and the rot on the floor. Then came the sharp clink of his belt buckle and the zip of his trousers.

"Open," he commanded.

I obeyed, but my mind tore itself completely away from my body. I wasn't on this rotten carpet. I was at the beach with Williams, watching the summer waves roll in during freshman year. I counted the ceiling tiles over and over again to drown out the sound of Oregan's heavy, breathless grunts. Four along the baseboard. Seven up the wall. I let my soul go completely numb, sacrificing my dignity piece by piece to buy Williams his freedom.

When it was finally over, Oregan slumped into his chair, sweating and smiling like he'd just finished grading midterms.

"You did well," he said, adjusting his trousers. "Williams is in the clear. As promised. Smile next time, sweetheart. You're prettier when you do."

I walked out without looking back.

The city blurred past the windows of the cab, and before I knew it, I was standing outside Williams' apartment. I knocked once. The door ripped open. Williams stood there, anxiety etched into every line of his face. "Kathrine. Did you-" He stopped when he saw my red-rimmed eyes and slumped shoulders. "Come in."

The apartment smelled like his clean laundry and expensive cologne.

"So...?" he asked impatiently, following me into the living room.

"It's done," I whispered, my voice sounding hollow. "You're safe. You won't be expelled."

He let out a massive exhale, sinking onto the couch. "God. Thank you. I was so scared."

I sat beside him, staring blankly at my shaking hands. "He touched me, Williams. You know that, right?"

Williams stiffened. For a fleeting second, guilt and shame flashed in his eyes. He reached out slowly, pulling me into his arms. "I'm sorry," he muttered into my hair. "I shouldn't have asked you to do this. It's over now. You're safe. I've got you."

I let myself believe him. I let myself sink into his embrace, thinking the worst was behind us.

Then, my phone pinged. I strained my eyes, watching the screen light up on the table.

Professor Oregan: "Meet me at The Voltex Hotel by 9:00 PM to finalize the deal. I still have the original log drive. If you aren't there, the board gets it tonight." there, the board gets it tonight

My heart skipped a beat. A cold pit formed in my stomach. It was supposed to be a one-time thing. He had taken what he wanted and promised Williams was safe, but predators never stop at one bite. He was still holding the evidence. If I didn't go, yesterday's humiliation was entirely for nothing. Williams would still be ruined.

I sat up, pulling the blanket around me like a shield. My fingers hovered over the screen before I turned away from Williams and slid off the bed.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes meeting mine in the bedroom mirror.

"Nothing," I said quickly, wrapping the blanket tighter. "Just spam. I'll be back."

He didn't question me.

Out on the small balcony, the city moved as if nothing had changed. As if I hadn't changed. I called the number, the phone shaking slightly in my grip. He answered immediately.

"I don't understand your message," I said, keeping my voice low. "You told me it was over. The deal was concluded yesterday."

"The deal," Oregan said slowly, his voice dripping with malice, "is over when I say it is."

"You promised-"

"Be there by nine," he cut in, his voice clipped and cold. "Or you can start helping Williams pack his things."

The line went dead.

By nightfall, I stood outside the Voltex Hotel, staring up at the golden lights glowing against the black sky. My feet felt rooted to the pavement, heavy with fear. I don't even remember walking through the lobby, but somehow, I found myself outside his room.

I knocked once. The door opened immediately. Professor Oregan smiled like he'd been standing right there, waiting.

"Punctual as always," he said, stepping aside.

The room inside was dark and freezing. I walked in slowly, staying near the exit.

"You said it was done," I said, glaring at him.

He closed the door behind me with a quiet click. "We were almost done. But almost doesn't count in matters like these." He held up a folder. "Your boyfriend's name is still on this list. And until it's not, he's still a liability."

"You said he was in the clear!" I yelled, tears of frustration stinging my eyes.

"And he will be," he said, walking to the nightstand and placing the folder down. "After."

"What do you want?" I spat, eyeing him.

He took a slow step forward. "You know what I want. Don't look so surprised, Miss Brown. You've already done this once. One more time shouldn't matter."

I couldn't speak. I just stared at his bald head, a heavy wave of disgust rolling through me.

"I know you think I'm cruel," he continued, "but I've kept my word. I've done nothing you didn't agree to."

"I agreed because we didn't have a choice," I muttered.

A smirk formed on his face. "Of course you did. You always have a choice."

I hated him. But I hated myself more. Because he was right. I came here because I didn't know how to live with the idea that the first time meant nothing, that my suffering had been completely wasted.

"After this, no more games," I said, my stare cutting like a dagger.

"Of course," he smiled.

I lay there, still and cold beneath him, while he moaned things I forced myself not to listen to. I counted the slats on the AC vent as it hissed cool air. But it did nothing to cool the damp, sticky sweat from his body rubbing against mine. My eyes drifted to a sharp, silver metal letter opener lying on the desk close to the bed. It was just out of reach. I contemplated moving closer to grab it. If I stabbed his eyes out right now, what would happen?

Finally, he rolled off me with a contented sigh. "File's on the desk," he said lazily.

"Take it. He's in the clear now."

"No more games?" I asked again, my voice trembling.

"No more," he laughed.

I turned away, pulling on my clothes with shaking fingers. I grabbed the folder and left without a word. I didn't cry. I was too far beyond that. Clutching the file tightly, I hailed a taxi.

You've already done this once. One more time shouldn't matter. His voice kept replaying in my head. I hated how true it was starting to feel.

Soon enough, I was back in front of Williams' apartment. The door was unlocked. I pushed it open quietly, stepping inside the dark living room. Only the blue glow of the TV lit the space. I found Williams sitting on the edge of the couch, his head buried in his hands.

"Baby?" I called softly.

He didn't respond. Something felt entirely off. I stepped closer, and he looked up. There was a dark, unreadable expression on his face.

"Hey," I whispered, placing the folder on the table. "I got it. The original logs."

He didn't even glance at it. "I thought you said it was over," he said quietly.

"It was. I mean, he said it was, but then he changed his mind today. I... I didn't know what else to do."

He stared at me for a long time, a judgmental look in his eyes. "So you just went back to his bed?"

"Of course I did! I did it for you, Williams!"

"Did you?"

"Williams..." I stared at him in utter shock. How could he ask that?

He stood up abruptly, pacing toward the window. "I just... I didn't think you'd actually do it again," he muttered under his breath.

"You begged me the first time!"

"I know!" he snapped, spinning around. His face contorted into something ugly and defensive. "And I hated myself for it! But I didn't ask you to go back tonight. The board cleared my name at noon today! I checked the student portal. It was already over! So why did you go to his hotel room tonight, huh? Did you like it that much? Were you just looking for an excuse to run back to an old man's bed?"

The words hit me harder than a physical blow. He wasn't grateful. He was looking at me with pure disgust.

"Williams..." Shakily, I moved toward him, reaching out.

"Go."

"Williams, please, you don't understand-"

"Leave, Kathrine!"

"Don't do this to me..."

"I won't ask again," he said coldly, turning his back to me.

"Williams, please! I did this for you! You begged me for this!" I cried, grabbing his arm tightly.

He ignored my pleas. He grabbed my wrists, brutally breaking my grip, and dragged me across the floor. He shoved me out into the cold hallway, and the heavy door shut with a deafening bang.

I stood frozen outside his door.

At first, I did nothing. Then my fists moved on their own, pounding desperately against the wood. "Williams! Williams, open up!"

No response. All I got was dead silence.

I looked at my watch. It was midnight. Williams had thrown me out onto the streets at midnight. After everything I'd sacrificed for him? None of it made sense. Not his outburst, not the sudden coldness in his eyes.

Maybe he was just stressed, I reasoned blindly. Maybe something had gone terribly wrong with his family. I tried to believe that, pushing the sting of rejection aside as I turned around and began walking down the dark hallway.

The streets outside were deserted. The city had folded into sleep. There were no cabs, no open shops, no lights. Just pavement, deep shadows, and the echo of my own footsteps.

Suddenly, a heavy shoulder slammed into me.

"Oh-sorry," a rough-looking man muttered, brushing past.

"It's fine," I mumbled, quickening my pace. Something felt off. Where had he even appeared from?

I glanced back. Three men had stepped out from an alleyway and started walking behind me. At first, I tried to convince myself it was a coincidence. But when I turned a corner, and then another... their heavy footsteps perfectly matched mine.

I walked faster. So did they.

My heart began to race. I scanned the dark street for an open shop, a passing car, a porch light anything. There was nothing. Panicking, I broke into a full sprint.

My breath came in ragged gasps. My feet slammed against the pavement. I didn't know where I was running; I just needed to escape the shadows closing in behind me.

Bam! I collided hard into a solid chest.

"Whoa, hey, you okay?" a familiar voice asked, steadying my trembling shoulders.

I looked up, gasping for air. "Justin!"

Of all people, Justin, the quiet, insufferable nerd from my class was the last person I expected to see wandering the city at midnight. But tonight, I clung to his jacket like a lifeline.

"Kathrine?" His brows pulled together in confusion. "What are you doing out here?"

"There were men... following me. I... I think they were going to-" My voice cracked, and I pointed frantically back toward the dark street.

Justin turned to look, squinting into the dark. "There's no one there, Kathrine. The street is completely empty."

"I swear!" I whispered, my eyes wide with terror. "They were just right behind me!"

He sighed, checking his watch with an annoyed expression. "Look, it's too late for drama. My car is parked around the corner. I'll drive you back to Williams' apartment. It's only a few blocks away."

I didn't protest. I didn't have the strength to tell him that Williams had just thrown me out like garbage. I just nodded numbly and followed him to his car.

When we reached Williams' door, it took a long minute for it to open. Williams looked surprised to see Justin, but the moment his eyes landed on me, his expression curdled into pure scorn.

"What is she doing here?" Williams spat.

"I found her running down the street, claiming some guys were after her," Justin said with a careless shrug, clearly wanting to wash his hands of the situation. "Thought it was best to bring her back to your place."

Williams scoffed, crossing his arms. "We broke up tonight. Didn't she tell you?"

Shame burned hot in my cheeks, and I stared firmly at the floor.

"Well, I just wanted to drop her off somewhere safe," Justin muttered, already backing away toward the elevator. "You good to take it from here?"

Williams didn't answer. After a long, agonizing stretch of silence, Justin left, and Williams reluctantly stepped aside to let me in.

The moment the door clicked shut, Williams lunged forward. He grabbed me brutally by the arm, dragging me into the living room like a sack of trash.

I gasped as I realized we weren't alone.

Two of his fraternity friends were seated on the couch in front of the TV. They looked up from their video game, watching me with twisted, amused grins. A toxic mix of shame, and anger scorched through my veins.

Williams shoved me violently toward the guest room. "Stay in there, and your ass better be gone before I wake up!"

"Williams, please..." I pleaded, my voice cracking. "You don't know what I've been through tonight. I only went to Oregan because of you. I gave myself to him for your future! And then those men on the street-"

His laugh was cruel, echoing off the walls. "Oh, shut your fucking trap, you lying little slut."

I flinched as if I'd been struck.

"Don't dare play the victim now," Williams snarled, stepping closer until his hot breath hit my face. "I know what people say about you on campus. I know how you throw yourself around. You loved the attention from Oregan, didn't you? That's all you're good for, opening your legs for any dick that wants a turn."

Smack!

My hand connected with his cheek before I could even think.

It was a catastrophic mistake.

Williams' counter-strike came instantly. His heavy fist cracked across my nose, sending me crashing violently onto the hardwood floor. Pain exploded behind my eyes. Blood immediately filled my mouth.

"You think you can hit me?!" Williams roared, his eyes turning wild and feral. "You think you can play me and get away with it?!"

He was on top of me before I could scream, his fists raining down on my face and ribs until the room spun in blurred patches of red and black.

"Williams! Please stop!" I shrieked, choking on my own blood.

"Fucking whore!" he snarled, dragging me off the floor by my hair and throwing me onto the bed. I couldn't recognize him anymore. This wasn't the boy I had loved for three years. This was a monster.

He shoved a twisted piece of cloth into my mouth to muffle my screams. Working quickly, he unbuckled his leather belt and used it to chain my wrists tightly to the wooden headboard, ripping my clothes away until I was completely exposed and helpless.

Then, he stepped back with a sickening smile. He walked to the bedroom door and threw it wide open. "Come on in, guys."

My heart stopped.

His friends walked into the room, laughing and unbuckling their trousers. I thrashed violently against the leather belt, the metal buckle cutting deeply into my wrists as tears blinded my vision. They took turns violating me, laughing and treating my body like a worthless piece of meat while Williams watched from the corner, smiling.

When it was over, Williams let out a satisfied sigh, throwing my torn clothes onto the bed. "Let's get her out of here. We're all done, right?"

They bundled my bruised, bleeding body into the back of a car and drove far out to the edge of the city, dumping me on a dark, isolated street near my apartment building. The car door flew open, and I was kicked out onto the cold floor.

"Get lost, and stay lost," Williams hissed, preparing to jump back into the passenger seat.

"Oh fuck, hold on, Williams," his friend yelled from the driver's seat, pointing at me as I tried to crawl away. "What if someone finds her like this? If she goes to the police or the dean, we're all completely fucked. You just got your name cleared."

Williams froze, his eyes narrowing as he looked down at me. "Fuck, you're right. I can't let this bitch ruin my life. What do we do with her?"

The friend leaned out the window, a dark, wicked smirk spreading across his face. "Listen, I know a guy who handles girls like her. We can get rid of her permanently, no paper trail, and we even get to make a fat profit off her."

Williams stared at his friend, his eyes widening with greedy excitement. He looked back down at my broken body, his lips curling into a demonic grin. "Let's do it."