“Babe, sorry you had a rough day,” he said. “I booked us a table at that romantic restaurant you wanted. Be there at noon tomorrow.”
My heart felt like ice, but I gave a tiny nod. “Okay.”
The next morning, he claimed he had a follow-up at the hospital and told me to head to the restaurant ahead of him. When he handed me the car keys, I kept my voice low.
“Harvey, if you had another chance… would you still choose me?”
Something flickered in his eyes—maybe regret—but he plastered on a smile and ruffled my hair. “Don’t overthink it. You’re the only one I’ll ever love.”
As he walked away, I gave him a faint smile. This was his last chance.
I headed to the garage, climbed into the car, and started the engine. The car eased out of the neighborhood and hit the expressway. Speed limit was at least sixty mph, but I barely noticed.
Back at the villa, Harvey and his friends had binoculars trained on my car. Just before the final turn, instead of slowing down, the car picked up speed, tires screeching like nails on a chalkboard.
Inside, a hidden mic transmitted my panicked screams straight to the villa. “What’s happening? The car’s skidding! Harvey, where are you? I’m scared! I don’t wanna die!”
They howled with laughter, feeding off my terror like wolves. The car veered out of control and slammed into the guardrail with a sickening crunch.
Harvey led the applause. “Once she calls, I’ll tell her it’s over between us.”
But something shifted.
Thick smoke poured from the engine, and within seconds, flames shot up. Before they could process it, the car exploded, debris raining down, leaving nothing but a burning wreck.
