Her Ex's Science Project

Harper paused at the door, voice flat. "Come with me. Roads are clear anyway."

She barely said a word on the drive. Just stared at her phone like it held her next breath.

We rushed into the club Jeremy had dropped his location at. Laughter spilled out of the VIP room.

He spotted me and froze—then slapped on that fake regret. "Didn't know you were bringing Zach. It was just a dare, that's why I texted you."

Harper was still winded, but totally chill. "Relax. It's just dinner."

Cue everyone turning to gawk at me.

I looked down, hands in fists. "If that's all, I'll go home."

But Jeremy just had to run his mouth. "Zach, we're not done. You're not ready to leave. You belong at Bendora."

Then some random voice piped up, loud enough for the whole room. "So THIS is Jeremy's lab rat? No wonder he's a mess."

Another added, "I don't mind scars, but a cripple in designer? Yikes."

I turned my back to them, holding it in with everything I had.

Harper didn't flinch. Still riding Team Jeremy.

"He's right. You shouldn't quit now. Just go back."

I clenched my jaw. Stayed quiet. Then—my phone buzzed.

"Mr. Zimmer, your father's condition has worsened. You should come say goodbye."

My mind blanked.

I moved for the door. Two bodyguards stepped in, blocking me.

I shoved back, then turned to Harper. My eyes burned, but I didn't say a word. Just looked at her—one last shot.

She didn't flinch. "Jeremy's worked so hard for this. Do you HAVE to ruin it now?"

I stayed quiet. She took that as a yes.

"You're going back to Bendora tonight."

Something in me cracked. "My dad's dying. I need to see him!"

Her face twitched, but Jeremy tugged her sleeve like a lost puppy.

Her voice turned ice-cold. "His hospital account's full. What's the point? Jeremy's getting his award soon—can't handle seeing him win?"

My stomach dropped. Blood froze in my veins.

Harper huffed and raised her hand. Two bodyguards grabbed me and tossed me into Bendora's car like I was trash.

The ride dragged forever.

Then it was back to the dark, freezing room. Locked up. Again.

Then the hospital update hit—my dad was gone.

For a second, everything just stopped. Frozen solid.

After that, I didn't fight. Not when Jeremy tested new torture tricks, not when the shocks came. I just... existed. Hollow.

On the last day, Harper was all dolled up next to Jeremy at the Research Awards Gala. Flashbulbs, smiles.

And me? I was finally out.

Kenny scored me a plane ticket. I brought back my dad's ashes, a busted body, and whatever was left of me.

As soon as I landed, my phone blew up—missed calls. All Harper.

I stared at the screen, then typed:

[Harper Reed, let's get divorced.]

Blocked her. Gone.

Back in my old apartment, I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding.

Halfway through unpacking, Kenny called.

"Dude, the news is blowing up..."