Chapter 3

The knife stood upright in the fruit bowl, as if pointing the way for me.

A terrifying idea instantly sparked in my mind.

Clinging to Alistair's arm, my body trembled involuntarily.

My voice broke, sounding fragile and helpless.

"I'm still a little scared, Alistair."

Alistair's body stiffened for a moment, then he gently patted my back.

"It's okay, Sweetie. Soon, you'll be free."

I continued my act.

"But I don't want to leave you, or Mom and Dad."

A flicker of emotion crossed Alistair's face. He cupped my cheek.

"We'll always remember you, Sweetie."

I suddenly pushed him away and lunged towards the coffee table.

Grabbing the knife.

"Sweetie, what are you doing!"

Alistair's voice immediately turned anxious.

I gripped the fruit knife tightly, pointing the tip at my own neck.

"Get away!"

My voice was hoarse from screaming.

Alistair looked at me, his face initially fearful, but a moment later, he sneered.

"Did you think I wouldn't be prepared?"

He pulled a small remote control from his pocket and pressed a button.

In an instant, my limbs felt weak, and the fruit knife clattered to the floor.

My body became limp and powerless.

"What... what did you do to me?"

Alistair slowly walked towards me, looking at me with utter contempt.

"A small precautionary measure."

Alistair adjusted his collar, his impeccable facade snapping back into place.

"It's getting late, we should leave."

He picked me up from the floor.

I tried to resist, but I couldn't move, only allowing him to manipulate me.

I could only watch as he picked me up and tossed me into the passenger seat like a sack of trash.