09/08/2025
BROKEN
HEART
(She’s Crazy, He’s a Cold Jerk)
❌ DO NOT COPY OR REPOST ❌
CHAPTER 47&48
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ERLING’S MANSION — MORNING
The sun was bright, but inside Erling’s mansion, it felt heavy.
Crystal sat at the breakfast table, slowly stirring her tea even though it had gone cold.
Erling walked in, wearing a crisp black shirt, his hair slightly messy. He stopped when he saw her.
“You’re up early,” he said, voice low.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she replied without looking up.
He walked closer, his gaze scanning her face like he was searching for an answer she wouldn’t give.
“You look pale. Did something happen yesterday?”
She forced a small smile. “Nothing happened, Erling. I just… feel tired.”
He reached out, his hand brushing her cheek. “You know I can tell when you’re lying.”
Her chest tightened. “I’m not lying.”
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the silence louder than their words. Then he stepped back.
“I have a meeting later. Stay home, and don’t wander off again.”
She nodded, pretending not to notice the suspicion in his eyes.
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SCHOOL — LATE MORNING
Lily walked through the hallway, books in hand, her face unreadable. Frankie spotted her from the other side and quickly moved toward her.
“Lily—”
She didn’t stop walking. “Oh, the famous player speaks.”
He sighed, falling into step beside her. “It wasn’t like that. At first, maybe… but I wasn’t—”
“You weren’t what? Planning to make me a joke? Or planning to win your stupid bet?” she snapped, eyes still forward.
“Lily, please. I care about you now. I—”
“Save it,” she said, stopping just before entering class. “You can’t just switch from a game to feelings and expect me to clap for you.”
Before he could reply, she walked in, leaving him standing in the hallway with his jaw clenched.
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OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY — SAME TIME
Phoebe sat on the bench, scrolling through her phone. Prince walked by, glancing at her.
She looked up. “You’re really not going to say hi?”
He paused, smirking faintly. “Didn’t know we were talking again.”
“We’re not,” she said quickly. Then, softer, “But maybe… we could.”
His smirk faded into something almost serious. “We’ll see.”
He walked away, and she found herself watching him longer than she meant to.
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ERLING’S OFFICE — LATER THAT DAY
The study was quiet. Crystal stood near Erling’s desk, her hands shaking slightly as she held a small flash drive.
The Ghost Twins’ words echoed in her head: Do this, or Lily dies.
She plugged the drive into his laptop.
Her heart pounded so loud, she almost didn’t hear the sound of the door opening.
“Crystal?”
She froze.
Erling stepped inside, his eyes narrowing instantly. “What are you doing in here?”
Her mind raced. “I was… looking for you.”
“When did you walk in?” His voice was calm, but his stare was sharp.
She forced a laugh, stepping away from the desk. “A while ago, I was told you're on a meeting. And home is bored.”
He glanced at the laptop, then back at her. “Oh what about your friend, you should have called her, but anyways I'm done with the meeting let's go have lunch.”
Crystal look at her phone and smile awkwardly, Emily just texted, I guess I will be leaving.
See you at home then, he said.
She nodded quickly, walking past him, hiding the flash drive in her palm.
But as she left, she could feel his eyes burning into her back.
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EMILY’S APARTMENT — AFTERNOON
Crystal sat cross-legged on Emily’s couch, holding a soda can in her hands.
Emily was beside her, chatting non-stop about some movie she watched.
“You should’ve seen the way he tripped on the dance floor,” Emily laughed. “His drink went flying!”
Crystal smiled faintly. “Sounds… fun.”
“You sound far away today,” Emily said, tilting her head.
“I’m just… tired,” Crystal replied quickly, her voice low. “Go on, I’m listening.”
Emily kept talking about clothes, music, and silly things that would normally make Crystal laugh. But today, Crystal barely spoke—only nodding or giving small comments.
Emily noticed, but she didn’t push.
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ERLING’S OFFICE — SAME TIME
Drake leaned against the wall, sipping coffee while Erling sat behind his desk, looking deep in thought.
“What’s on your mind?” Drake asked.
Erling hesitated, then said, “Crystal.”
Drake raised an eyebrow. “What about her?”
“She’s… different. Avoiding my eyes. Slipping away when she thinks I’m not watching. And today… I caught her in my private office.”
Drake frowned. “Doing what?”
“She said she was looking for me, but…” Erling’s gaze sharpened. “Something feels off. Like she’s hiding something from me.”
“Do you think she’s in trouble?” Drake asked.
“I don’t know yet,” Erling said quietly. “But I’m going to find out.”
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LATE NIGHT — CRYSTAL’S ROOM
Crystal sat by the window, hugging her knees. She had done it. The file transfer was complete.
Her phone buzzed. A new message.
UNKNOWN: Good girl. Now wait for instructions.
She shut her eyes, guilt crashing over her.
Down the hall, Erling’s footsteps echoed. He was coming closer.
And she didn’t know how much longer she could keep lying to him.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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