Chapter 2

That collection’s massive sales made Caleb realize that more explicit photos had a bigger market.

So, from then on, Caleb’s photoshoots became increasingly extreme.

Edgy, disturbing, pushing every boundary imaginable.

He’d use ropes to bind me tightly.

The red ropes contrasted sharply with my pale skin, making it incredibly provocative.

For this, he’d even specifically studied rope art.

He’d also take me outdoors, forcing me to wear revealing clothes, posing as if I was secretly caught on camera.

I’d cry in terror every time.

But if I dared to resist, he’d just tie me up outside and force me to shoot.

He’d even fill the bathtub with real blood, making me soak in it.

That’s right.

Caleb used real blood.

The thick, metallic scent of it made me nauseous; I’d turn pale with terror, shaking uncontrollably.

But Caleb would just keep clicking the shutter, murmuring, "Perfect."

He said it was the only way to achieve the Gothic private photo style he envisioned.

Gloomy, eerie, mysterious, terrifying!

I looked at Caleb with dread.

His smile was manic, his face twisted into something grotesque and eerie.

I felt like the person in front of me was truly insane!

I had to escape!

I *had* to!

Even if he posted all the initial nude photos he’d taken, I didn’t care anymore.

Staying with Caleb Hayes any longer, I’d surely be tormented to death!

But there was no one in this house who could help me; I had to plan my escape carefully.

I thought for a long time and decided the most feasible way was to get into university and leave this house naturally.

Some special programs at certain universities offered scholarships.

As long as I got in, I could complete my studies without a single dime from home.

If I could just make it through four years of university, I’d have the ability to live independently and finally break free from Caleb’s control.

If all else failed, I’d just go abroad!

So, I studied with every fiber of my being.

My university entrance exam scores certainly didn’t disappoint me.

I secretly applied for a fully-funded program at a university far across the country.

The day I received my admission letter, I was so excited I wanted to cry.

I felt like I could finally escape Caleb’s clutches.

But then, Caleb suddenly appeared in front of me and snatched the admission letter from my hand.

“Going out west? You really were planning to escape.”

My blood ran cold; I couldn't breathe.

When did he get here?

To keep Caleb from finding out, I’d specifically sent the admission letter to my friend’s house.

But how could he know?

Caleb smirked, looking at me. “Did you think your little tricks could escape my notice? I’ve been watching you the whole time!”

He grabbed both ends of the admission letter, poised to tear it.

“No!”

I frantically lunged at him, clinging to his arm.

That was my only hope!

I cried, asking him why he wouldn’t let me go.

I knelt on the floor, begging him to give me a chance at life.

I don't know if my pleas worked, but Caleb scoffed and handed the admission letter back to me.

“Fine, I’ll let you go, but you have to cooperate with me on one big shoot.”

“To be honest, I’ve been shooting you for years, and I’m sick of it. Now I’m famous; I have a bunch of models begging me for shoots every day. I don’t even care about you anymore.”

“So, as long as you cooperate fully and we finish this one collection, I’ll let you go.”

The temptation was too great.

I agreed.

I told myself that no matter how hard it was, I had to cooperate with Caleb.

But I never imagined that Caleb had no intention of letting me go!

The collection he wanted to shoot was called, *Death*!

He wanted my life!

I never dreamed Caleb would go to such extremes for this photoshoot.

That day, he found a bunch of glass shards and old furniture from somewhere and started smashing them crazily in my room, leaving it in utter chaos.

Then, he pulled out a long white dress and told me to put it on.

I was surprised.

Because Caleb almost never made me wear such normal clothes for his shoots.

Caleb said this time, he wanted to capture a pure image amidst the ruins.

I needed to be clean, untouched by dust, free of any vulgarity.

He would make this collection perfect, a university gift for me.

When he said this, he smiled so gently.

He even reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

I felt a flicker of happiness, a tiny bit of hope, believing he truly wanted to let me go.

But as soon as I went to change, I found that he had set my room on fire!

Caleb had poured a large amount of solid alcohol in my room.

The fire immediately flared up.

I was terrified, screaming as I tried to put it out.

But Caleb grabbed my wrist, twisting me back.

I screamed for help, but Caleb was excitedly taking photos of me surrounded by flames.

The fire grew larger, already reaching my clothes.

I tried to hide, but the bed behind me had also been set ablaze.

I heard Caleb laughing maniacally.

He said that capturing the destruction of something beautiful before your eyes was the most impactful artwork!

I didn't want to die!

So, I jumped out the window!