Betrayal by My Fiancé

As soon as the words left my mouth, Jensen slapped me without hesitation.

"Do you think I respect you, Stella? Why are you making such a big deal out of this?"

I held my cheek, glaring at him with all the hatred I could muster. He grabbed my wrist, yanking me along with him.

"You're coming back with me!"

"No—"

I struggled fiercely, desperate to break free. His gaze was filled with anger and confusion as he turned to me.

"What are you doing—"

"Get off me! Just let go!"

I pounded on his hand, tears streaming down my face. Every place he'd touched felt defiled, like an allergic reaction spreading red welts across my skin. Everything had to be his way. He set the tests, the rules, and he insisted I go back with him. He never considered how shattered my heart was, how deeply he'd wounded me.

"Stella!"

A clear voice cut through the tension between us. Jensen frowned at the newcomer. I seized the moment, wrenching free from Jensen's grasp and rushing toward the voice.

"Dante!"

No one could know how relieved I felt the moment I saw Dante. It was like finding solid ground after hanging in mid-air for ages. My body stopped shaking so violently. Dante quickly wrapped me in a protective embrace, checking frantically for injuries.

"Are you hurt anywhere?"

I clung to his shirt, my head shaking as I felt the flood of tears continue. I didn't even get a word out before they began falling anew.

"Does anything hurt? Tell me."

Jensen gave Dante a hard shove, his tone hostile. "Who the hell are you?"

Dante stared right back, unfazed. "I'm her boyfriend."

Jensen's eyebrows knitted into a tight knot. He looked at me, then back at Dante incredulously.

"Ridiculous. Where did you come from? Do you even know Stella is my girlfriend? You think you can just waltz in here?"

Dante's voice was calm but carried an edge that made even me shudder. "After what you did, she stopped being your girlfriend. I suggest you back off."

Jensen laughed like he'd heard the world's funniest joke.

"Why don't you ask her if she agrees? Stella loves me to death. She can't live without me. You little wannabe hero, don't fool yourself. Stella, come here!"

I stood still, not giving Jensen an inch.

"Stella, get over here!"

Instead, I slipped behind Dante, not sparing Jensen another glance. Jensen's face darkened. He reached for me, but Dante pulled me protectively behind him.

"Stella, you better get over here!"

I clutched Dante's shirt tightly, shaking my head.

Dante spoke with calm authority, "As you can see, she doesn't want to go with you, Mr. King. I suggest you act like a gentleman and let her be."

Jensen's expression cracked bit by bit. He clenched his teeth, barely containing his anger.

"You don't know a damn thing. She'd do anything for me! You showing up changes nothing. For my sake, she—"

Dante's fist lashed out before Jensen could finish.

"Watch your mouth!"

Caught off guard, Jensen crumpled to the ground. He tried to retaliate, but Angel quickly intervened.

"Jensen, don't! There are too many people watching, and if the press shows up—"

"Angel, let go!"

"Jensen! There'll be another chance. Let's just go!"

Angel clung to his waist, finally calming him down. He looked around at the growing crowd of onlookers. Jensen shot me a glare full of daggers.

"Stella, don't come crawling back to me crying later."

Even after they had gone, my body continued to shake uncontrollably.

"Stella, Stella, it’s okay, you’re safe now!"

Dante was rubbing my arms gently, and I suddenly found myself sitting on a sofa in a quiet room. The confrontation with Jensen and his threats echoed in my ears, chilling me to the bone.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this!"

I knew I was a mess, a bundle of tears and helpless worry, unable to do anything but cry like a fool. Dante gently wiped away my tears.

"Don't worry. I’ll be here with you. I’m not afraid of you being a burden; I’m only worried you won't need me at all."

"Will he come after me again, Dante? I'm really scared!"

Dante wrapped his arms around me.

"I’ll stay by your side, not leaving you for a second. I won’t let him hurt you again. Stella, don’t be afraid. You’ve got me."

I rested against him. His heartbeat was strong and steady, calming the turmoil inside me. His shoulders were broad and warm.

"Stella, I’ll protect you."

I nodded. My emotions had settled, yet I didn't want to let go of that comforting warmth. Even if it was just a dream, even if it might lead to pain later. Just for this moment, just for now. Let me love once more. Just give me a second.

I nestled into his embrace, drifting into sleep. In my dreams, I was back in high school, with that determined boy who never backed down, no matter how much he was hit.

"Dante..." I murmured softly.

"You're calling out to that bastard again!" An angry voice jolted me awake.

"Jensen King!"