No Longer a Stand-In

James's POV

In the hospital, Emma lay pale on the bed, her expression still tinged with fear.

"It's okay, Emma." I frowned, squeezing her hand tenderly. "I'm here. I'll stay with you."

Emma opened her eyes and, seeing the worry etched on my face, gave me a weak smile. "James, I'm fine. Please don't frown."

"It hurts me to see you worried. Sarah probably just wasn't thinking clearly. Don't be too angry with her."

Her words softened my expression, but my resentment toward Sarah grew stronger.

I couldn't understand why Sarah kept clinging on me, even going so far as to hurt Emma.

Hadn't we agreed to be just friends with benefits, no feelings involved?

But regardless, since Emma was involved, I wouldn't let Sarah off easily.

"Don't worry Emma, I'll make Sarah apologize to you personally!"

While Emma rested, I stepped outside to call Sarah.

"The number you've dialed is currently switched off..."

I punched the wall in frustration. "Well, Sarah, guilty conscience making you dodge my calls?"

I immediately drove to Sarah's apartment, only to find it completely empty - no trace of her.

"Where's Sarah?" I called my assistant. "Find her location immediately!"

Playing hide and seek with me? How dare she!

"Found her, Mr. Carter." My assistant quickly sent a video to my phone. "This is Miss Garnets last known location from last night."

It showed the alley from last night. In the video, Sarah was surrounded by several men. Despite her desperate struggles, they dragged her roughly into the dark depths of the alley. She never emerged.

"Help! Save me! James..."

The video cut off abruptly. Sarah's terrified, desperate screams shook me to my core.

What was going on? Weren't those men hired by Sarah?

Why would they treat her like this? Was she acting again to get my attention?

But the desperation and fear on her face looked too real. A sense of unease began to grow.

My thoughts were in chaos until my phone suddenly rang.

"Hello?"

"Is this Mr. James Carter? This is the city police department. Do you know Miss Sarah Garnett?”

My brow furrowed instinctively. "Yes, have you found her? Where is she?"

"There was a gang assault last night. We found Miss Garnett’s belongings at the crime scene. Could you come identify them?"

"What?" My pupils dilated in shock. "She was attacked? Where is she?"

"The perpetrators have been arrested, but Miss Garnett is missing. There was significant amount of blood at the scene. She may no longer be alive... Please prepare yourself for the worst."

It felt like lightning struck me.

My phone slipped from my powerless hand, its screen shattering on the floor.

I staggered, nearly falling to my knees.

Even then, I couldn't believe what I'd heard.

Sarah was... dead?