Chapter 3

He seemed to sense something was off, and with a hint of surprise, asked Scarlett:

"Is there something under the table?"

Julian leaned down, his hand just touching the edge of the tablecloth.

Scarlett quickly reached out and pressed down on his wrist.

"Don't move. It's just a crazy person I 'borrowed' from the asylum. She's in the cage to add a little sensory thrill for you. Don't worry about it."

Julian paused, glanced at her, and seemed to genuinely believe her, not pressing further.

He closed his eyes, leaning back in the chair, still looking perfectly prim and proper.

But under the tablecloth, I watched his suit pants, so close to me, and his hand resting on his lap.

My stomach churned, a sickening wave of nausea making me want to throw up.

I bit down hard on the rag in my mouth, my body thrashing violently within the cramped cage.

"Clang!"

A crisp sound echoed loudly in the silent café, drawing immediate attention.

It was the jade pendant Julian had begged for on 999 steps, specifically for me, that had snapped from my neck. It fell to the ground, rolling to Julian’s feet.

Julian’s movements abruptly stopped.

He opened his eyes, looking down at the pendant.

His face instantly changed.

The next second, he ripped aside the heavy tablecloth.

I instinctively squinted.

He looked into the cage, at me.

Our eyes met.

I saw the tension in his eyes instantly dissipate, replaced by a long, relieved sigh.

Scarlett, beside him, giggled, patting his shoulder.

"Why so tense, Julian? I told you, it's just a crazy person I 'borrowed' from the asylum. Did she scare you?"

I followed his gaze, seeing my reflection in the café's clean glass wall.

My hair was maliciously matted and disheveled, like dry straw. My clothes were torn and wrinkled, stained with unknown grime. My face was smeared with dirt, and a rag was stuffed in my mouth.

I truly looked like a lunatic.

No wonder he hadn't recognized me.

That promise, "Even if you turn to ash, I’d recognize you instantly," was just another lie.

I looked at him, whimpering, trying to give him one last chance.

"Mmm... mmm-hmm..."

Seeing my distress, Scarlett raised her foot and kicked the cage twice.

"What's all that noise about? Keep it up and I'll cut out your tongue."

The iron cage rattled with a "clang," hitting me painfully.

She then turned back to Julian, smiling.

"Since you’ve uncovered her, why waste her? Julian, just pretend she's Anya, and really let loose."

"Afterward, just make sure to finish on her face, okay?"

I stared, wide-eyed in disbelief.

Julian's eyes flashed with a hint of excitement, and he actually started to move.

My heart chilled, inch by agonizing inch. As his movements grew faster, I simply turned my head away, noticing a clock on the wall.

After seeing the time, I breathed a sigh of relief and began to count down.

Three.

Two.

One.

"BANG!"

The café door was kicked open.

"Don't move! Everyone, hands in the air!"

The voice was loud and authoritative.

Scarlett’s sweet smile instantly froze.

Julian, who was positioned directly over me, also stiffened.

Several uniformed police officers rushed in, quickly taking control of the scene.

Soon, the iron cage was opened, and the rag was removed from my mouth.

A female officer took off her jacket and draped it over me, softly reassuring me.

"It's okay, don't be scared."

I was helped to my feet, my legs a bit shaky, but I stood firm.

I looked up, meeting Julian's gaze.

He was being held by two officers, his hands raised above his head.

As the police wiped the dirt from my face, he saw my features clearly, and his pupils constricted sharply.

"Anya?"

His voice held a tremor, barely perceptible.

"What are you doing here?"

I said nothing, just stared at him quietly.

I don't like fighting unprepared battles. Before I came here, I'd already called the police, instructing them that if I didn't cancel the call in half an hour, they should come to this café to rescue me.