Collided Souls

I M O G E N

When midnight hit, my nightmare struck.

From packed clothes to stuffed belongings, I spent the night bawling. Leona had no idea I'd left—she was knocked out on the couch, her body rising and falling with soft and loud snores. I covered her with a blanket before slipping out.

I left a note behind. Said it was "best" if I moved out.

Truth? I was being blackmailed by my insane ex. And if I'd gone to the cops? Christian would've made some slick excuse and walked free.

Clutching the zipper of my hoodie, I stepped closer to the blacked-out SUV parked at the curb. I already knew who sat behind those dark windows—Christian, smug smile ready, bile rising in my throat.

When I stopped at the back door, I took a long breath—my last taste of freedom.

Then I opened the door and met his eyes.

"Immy!" he cheered. "Want help?"

Our eyes dropped to the bags in my hands. I shook my head. Keep your mouth shut, I told myself. The longer I stay quiet, the safer I'll stay.

"You don't wanna speak?" He twisted in his seat, grin widening. "You were so talkative over the phone."

"Just because I was doesn't mean I want to now," I hissed, throwing my things in the back seat before climbing in—far away from him.

"You look..." he purred, letting his eyes roam. "Prison didn't dull you at all. I see why pretty boy was hooked. Missed what was mine."

His?

"First of all, his name is Cane. Second—yours?" I tilted my head.

"Yeah. Mine." His eyes darkened.

I clenched my jaw as he shamelessly ogled the shape of my legs. I wore sweatpants for this exact reason. If I hadn't... I don't want to imagine what would've happened.

"Oh, and one more thing, Immy—" His words didn't catch me off guard. His actions did. Without warning, his hand whipped across the seat and gripped my neck, squeezing hard. "If you ever disrespect me like that again," he growled, "I won't hesitate to discipline."

I choked, clawing at his hand until he released me with a flick, jerking my head back. My throat throbbed, tears stinging as I whimpered softly.

And then... he drove off.

◊◊◊◊

C A N E

The next day felt wrong.

I couldn't say why. Something just felt... off. Unsettled.

I started my morning like usual—coffee, writing, feeding Witty, getting dressed—but I couldn't shake the feeling. When I walked into work, I was my normal self. Students joked around, some saying wildly inappropriate things under their breath.

But then I saw it. A shade of burgundy red I'd know anywhere.

Leona.

"Cane!" she gasped when our eyes met. Her face looked wrecked, like she'd fought a bar—and won. "Imogen."

My stomach dropped. "What about Imogen?" My voice slowed, dragging each word. My phone slid into my back pocket as everything around us faded.

"I... she... she's gone."

My heart kicked up, a rush of heat flooding my chest. So that's why I felt off. Even if Imogen and I aren't together, I knew. My soul knew.

"She left this," Leona shoved a note into my hand. "I woke up to it."

I looked down at the jagged handwriting. My heart pulsed hard in my throat as I read the words again and again:

Please forgive me, Le. I felt it was best for me to move out. I'm sorry. Love you.

"You can't move out that fast, Cane!" Leona snapped, hands on her hips, still in yesterday's clothes. Her hair was twisted in a claw clip. "What are we going to do?"

"Who else knows?" I tried keeping my voice steady, but it cracked anyway.

"I'm the only one," she breathed. "My other friends are about to be parents. I didn't want to drag them into this."

I nodded. "Do you think...?"

"It doesn't take a genius to figure it out!" she hissed, eyes narrowing.

I said nothing. Just read the note again, then shoved it away like it burned me.

"What are we going to do?"

"You're not doing anything," I said firmly. "This started with me. I'll finish it."

"Cane..." Leona grabbed my wrist. "I'm telling you—it won't be easy."

I know she's right. But I love that girl more than anything. Imogen was the light in my life. And I'll be damned if Christian rips her away from me. From what we built. From who we are.

From that nightclub kiss, to late nights writing together, to this moment—I'm not letting her go. I meant what I said in that note. I'm winning. And by winning—I don't just mean against Christian. I mean I won her heart. He lost it the moment he treated her like property. And I claimed it the moment I treated her like a person.

"Maybe for you," I said, yanking my wrist away, "but not for me."

I stormed out of the building. This might take time. But I won't stop until Imogen is back in my arms. Where she belongs. Where we belong. Back in the space we made, where no one can touch us.

For her, I'd die.

For her, I'd fight.

For her... I will.

A/N

The worst part about this situation is the book is coming to an end soon!! 🥺🥺💌