VIVIAN
The hospital released Chase after six hours. No medical explanation for the bleeding. Tests came back normal. They called it "stress-induced epistaxis" and sent him home with instructions to rest.
I know better. It was the curse. Punishing us for connecting. For choosing love.
But I need to see him. Need to understand what's happening. Need to know if the kiss changed anything or made everything worse.
I show up at his penthouse the next morning. Security lets me up. They know me. Know our history.
Chase opens the door. Looks terrible. Pale. Dark circles. Like he hasn't slept.
"Vivian." His voice is flat. Empty. "You shouldn't be here."
"We need to talk. About last night. About what happened."
"What's there to talk about? We kissed. The curse punished us. I bled. You called an ambulance. Story ends." Chase doesn't move aside. Doesn't invite me in. "Go home. To Marcus. To your contract. To your safe, controlled life."
"I'm not leaving until we talk."
