The shrill sound of Dylan's alarm clock jolted him awake. His breathing was heavy, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His heart pounded against his ribs as a familiar name slipped from his lips.
"Sam…"
He ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady himself. It had been years, but Samantha still haunted him. She was the only woman he had ever truly loved, and no matter how much time passed, he couldn't erase her from his mind.
"You have to let me go, Dylan," her soft voice echoed in his head.
"I can't," he had whispered back, gripping her hands tightly. "I won't."
She had only smiled, the kind of sad smile that tore through his chest. "One day, you'll have to. And when you do, promise me you won't be alone forever."
He clenched his fists as reality pulled him back. Samantha was gone, and nothing would bring her back.
Pushing himself out of bed, he headed into the shower, letting the cold water numb his thoughts. But as he stepped out, tying a towel around his waist, her voice still lingered.
"Move on, Dylan."
He scoffed at the thought. Move on? With whom? Certainly not the feisty little kitten who spat fire at him at every turn.
Dylan pulled on his usual black suit, buttoning his long-sleeved shirt as Jayden suddenly burst into the room.
"Dylan!"
Dylan's eyes flicked up, annoyance flashing across his face. "What is it, Jayden? You should at least knock."
Jayden hesitated, his face tense. "It's the boy."
Dylan's entire body stiffened. "What about him?" His voice dropped to a cold, sharp edge.
"He's fallen ill."
Dylan didn't wait to hear more. He strode past Jayden and out of the room, his heart pounding as an unfamiliar tightness coiled in his chest.
"Did you call the doctor?" Dylan asked as he walked swiftly toward the boy's room.
"Yes, I did," Jayden answered.
Just then, Heaven came rushing in, her eyes filled with panic and unshed tears.
"Michael… Micky…" she whispered breathlessly, dropping to her knees beside the bed. "Oh my boy, what happened to you?"
Her voice trembled as she gently touched her brother's clammy skin.
Dylan stood by the door, watching.
Heaven suddenly turned, her grief twisting into raw anger. She sprang to her feet, marching toward Dylan with blazing eyes.
"You!" she spat, pointing a trembling finger at him. "What are you doing here? Do you want to make sure he dies? Is that what you want?"
Dylan remained silent, his face unreadable.
"But bad news for you," she continued, voice shaking. "I won't let anything happen to my brother. Do you hear me? If anything happens to him, I swear I will make you suffer!"
Before anyone could react, she grabbed Dylan by the collar, yanking him down slightly so their faces were only inches apart.
"You'll pay for this," she whispered, her voice laced with venom.
Dylan merely smirked. "Really? And how do you plan to do that, kitten?"
Without thinking, Heaven spat at him, fury boiling over.
"Go to hell, you asshole!" she hissed.
Jayden sucked in a breath, but Dylan only chuckled darkly.
Gripping her wrist, he yanked her closer, his fingers pressing against her waist as he leaned in. His breath was hot against her ear.
"Seems like you want to be punished, little kitten," he murmured, his voice dripping with amusement. He grazed his lips against her earlobe before giving it a light bite.
A shiver ran down Heaven's spine, her breath hitching in shock.
"You tyrant!" she screamed inside her head.
Dylan finally released her, stepping back and smirking at the way her body trembled—not just in anger, but in something she refused to name.
He turned away, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"Move on, Dylan," Samantha's voice whispered again.
His smirk faltered for just a second.
Then, with a deep breath, he walked away, leaving Heaven seething behind him.