His Perfect Trap, My Perfect Revenge

Chapter 5

Time slipped away unnoticed as Chelsea pored over documents at home. The headlights of Magnus's car flashing through her window snapped her back to reality—he'd arrived to pick her up.

She stuffed the papers into her bag and slid into the passenger seat without a word. The drive was tense, the silence thick between them until they pulled up to the KTV lounge she'd picked.

The moment they stepped into the private room, the blaring music made her wince.

"There you are, Chelsea!" Sabrina called, already dragging her toward the center of the room before she could react. "Come sit with us!"

Sabrina's smile didn't quite reach her eyes as she said, "This was supposed to be my welcome-back party, but Magnus insisted we turn it into your belated birthday celebration. So here I am—just tagging along." She shot Chelsea a saccharine look. "See how much he cares? Hope you don't mind me crashing."

Chelsea scanned the room. Every face there was either Sabrina's friend or Magnus's. A dry laugh caught in her throat.

Some birthday party. More like Sabrina's homecoming in disguise.

Just then, Michaela approached, holding two glasses of wine. "Chelsea, about yesterday... I didn't mean to shove you like that. Don't be mad, okay?" She offered one glass with a sheepish grin.

Chelsea's gaze flicked to Magnus, lounging nearby, cigarette in hand. Silent. Watching.

Same old game.

She smiled sweetly. "If you're really sorry, Michaela, then here's my counteroffer—you drink three glasses yourself. Then we're square."

Michaela's fingers twitched.

Spiked. Just as I thought.

Before the tension could thicken, Sabrina cut in. "Oh, lighten up, Chelsea! She's just a kid. Isn't this a bit much?" She nudged the glass closer.

Chelsea eyed it, then met Sabrina's gaze. "If she's just a kid, why don't you drink it for her?"

Sabrina stiffened. She hadn't expected Chelsea to flip the script so effortlessly.

"Enough." Magnus's voice cut through the room like ice. He stubbed out his cigarette and stood. "How long are you planning to drag this out, Chelsea? Michaela apologized. Stop making a scene." He stepped forward, jaw tight. "Everyone's here for you, and this is how you act? Is this what your family taught you?"

He took the glass from Sabrina's hand, shielding her like something fragile, and shoved it toward Chelsea. "Drink. Don't ruin the night."

Chelsea stared at the wine, then lifted her eyes to the man she'd loved for four years.

And in that moment, her heart shattered beyond repair.

She checked her watch. No more games. Without a word, she turned to leave—but Magnus grabbed her wrist, yanking her back so hard she crashed onto the couch. Pain shot through her as he gripped her jaw, forcing the wine down her throat.

She choked, clawing at his hand, but his grip was unrelenting.

No one moved. No one spoke. Around her, faces blurred—some smirking, others bored.

The humiliation burned hotter than the liquor. When the last drop was gone, Magnus finally released her.

Gasping, Chelsea shoved him away, snatched her bag, and bolted for the restroom.