Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Rigella's POV

Weakly, I murmured, “W-what?”

“Ella, no matter what happens, don’t come out, okay? Don’t ever come out...” Roxanne pleaded, a hint of worry shadowing her face as she sat down beside me.

I slumped into the sofa, feeling crushed. How did he find out I was at Roxanne’s apartment? Did Nanny Lisa tell him? Why was he even here? Didn’t he care about me at all?

My anxiety deepened as Ivan continued to pound on the door. I was also worried it would disturb the neighbors—they might be getting annoyed already.

Roxanne suddenly stood up, picked up her phone from the center table, and said firmly, “I’ll call security. Just stay here and don’t come out.” She moved away to make the call.

A cold chill swept through me, making my hands and knees tremble. I was terrified—and I couldn’t even admit it. I was scared of what Ivan might do to me if he got close.

From outside, I heard Ivan shout, “RIGELLA! GET OUT OF THERE! DAMN IT, YOU’RE REALLY GONNA LOVE ME!”

Tears welled up in my eyes again. One drop after another. I was crying again.

Sometimes, I wondered when these tears would stop. When would the pain end? When would Ivan finally love me?

But my thoughts were interrupted by what I heard Roxanne say on the phone.

“Yes… Make sure that man suffers so he won’t dare lay a finger on Ella again. No—do you want me to break the law? Don’t kill—!”

She was about to say more when I rushed over to her.

“Who are you talking to?” I asked.

She looked at me seriously and sighed.

“Mafia,” she answered bluntly.

My mouth fell open, and my eyes widened. “M-Mafia? You asked your brother for help?”

By now, Ivan’s yelling outside was driving me to the edge.

She closed her eyes tightly and nodded. “Ryan offered to help—so why would I say no? Rigella, do you really think I believed your excuse earlier? I knew it. I knew what Ivan did to you. He deserves to suffer for all the pain he caused you.”

I bit my lower lip hard. “What if they kill Ivan?”

I didn’t want to lose Ice’s father. Even after everything, I couldn’t wish death upon Ivan.

“I’m going out,” I said firmly.

“Are you f*cking crazy?” Roxanne grabbed my arm, her eyes sharp and blazing. “Who knows what he’ll do to you? Just wait for Ryan’s men—they’ll deal with that bastard.”

Tears streamed down my face, and I shook. “N-No... please, call them off. I can’t let this happen. Ivan is my life... It’s like you’re killing me when you say those things.”

Roxanne tugged her hair in frustration, and I noticed she was crying too.

“What is it, Rigella?! Stop being such a martyr! Let that asshole go! We’re tired of pretending not to see what’s happening to you!”

Her words hit me like a dagger. I sank to the floor, crying, feeling her pain as much as mine. What I was going through was hurting her too.

Why is life so hard? Why can’t I feel happiness, even just once? Even for a fleeting second?

“I’m sorry, Roxy. I’m sorry, best friend,” I cried, crawling toward her and wrapping her in a hug.

When I started to move toward the door, she grabbed my arm again.

“No! You’re not going out there. You’re staying here! You hear me?” she shouted through her tears.

She let go of my arm, and I gently wiped her tears.

“I’m... I’m sorry. But I love him. I love Ivan. I can’t bear it if something bad happens to him.”

She looked at me with sadness and asked, “Even if you get hurt again? Even if it’s you who suffers?”

I lowered my head and slowly nodded. “Yes, even if I’m the one who gets hurt. Just... not him. That’s how much I love him, Roxy. So please... let me go. Please, best friend.”

Roxanne closed her eyes tightly and sighed. “That foolish love of yours will be the death of you. You’re willing to give your life for a man who doesn’t even deserve your tears. Tsk.”

She shook her head, defeated. “Fine. Go. Like I could stop you anyway. Just promise me—if anything happens, call me right away. Be careful.”

I smiled at her, grateful. “Of course, Roxanne. I’ll go now. You know how impatient Ivan gets. Thank you for caring, best friend.”

She gave me a faint smile as I added, “I love you.”

“I love you too, best friend. Don’t forget that,” she whispered.

I gave her one last smile before walking to the door.

The banging had stopped—but my heart hadn’t. I was terrified. I knew he would hurt me again. Still, I told myself it was okay. I just wanted him to stop being angry.

My hand trembled as I reached for the doorknob. I twisted it slowly, eyes closed tight. When I opened them, Ivan was there—breathing hard, hair disheveled, reeking of alcohol. His eyes burned with rage.

Then, without warning, he grabbed my arm and yanked it. I winced from the pressure.

“Let’s go home,” he growled, dragging me away from Roxanne’s apartment.