Chase sat back, his heart pounding. I need to get out of here before he does something to Petal, he thought, panic crawling through his veins. But how do I escape the very web I created? He scanned the room frantically, realizing there was no way to unlock the cage from the inside.

He slumped back in frustration "Petal, please don’t trust him," he said, his voice trembling with urgency.

---

He smirked to himself, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You must be doubting, wondering what exactly happened. Why you can’t remember anything. Well, it all happened when…”

Flashback

Chase’s Brother’s POV:

"Chase," Petal said, her voice laced with confusion as her wide eyes darted between the two of us. She was trying to process what she was seeing—two identical faces, one reality torn into two.

"Go back upstairs, Petal," Chase said firmly, trying to shield her with his voice.

"No, Petal, stay," I interjected, keeping my expression calm and collected. "I’m almost done with him." My tone was steady, but my gaze lingered on Chase, daring him to act.

Her gaze flicked between us, doubt clouding her expression. "Who is the real Chase?" she asked hesitantly, stepping back.

"It’s me, Petal!" Chase exclaimed, his voice sharp with desperation.

I caught the hesitation in her eyes—a flicker of uncertainty I could exploit. "No, Petal, he’s lying," I said, softening my tone. "I’m Chase."

"Stop confusing her," Chase snapped, frustration boiling in his voice.

"go upstairs. You’re not safe here!" Chase said again, his words firm but filled with concern.

But I kept my composure. "She is safe, with me," I said calmly, looking directly into her eyes. "You don’t have to be scared, Petal. I’m here to protect you."

Her brows furrowed, her lips parting as if to say something, but nothing came out. The doubt was winning.

"Petal, listen to me," I said, stepping closer to her with measured steps. "I’m Chase. He’s an imposter. Remember how I always told you I’d be there for you, no matter what?"

"You’re lying," Chase said firmly, stepping forward, but his voice carried a hint of unease.

Petal glanced between us, her confusion growing. She looked at me, searching for something familiar, then turned to Chase, her uncertainty palpable.

"I came prepared, Chase," I murmured just loud enough for him to hear. My tone was low, a hint of triumph lacing my words. "Everything about me—my clothes, my voice, my mannerisms—I made sure they matched yours. To her, I am you."

Chase stiffened, his expression darkening, but Petal’s doubt remained. She stood frozen, caught between the two of us, her trust hanging by a thread.

"When I said stay in the room, why did you come out?" Chase shouted, his voice sharp with frustration. "I told you I’d call you myself when it was safe. Why didn’t you listen, Petal?"

Petal flinched at the intensity of his voice, her hands clenching into fists at her sides as if trying to steady herself.

“Don’t shout at her!” I snapped, anger rising in me. Seeing her scared—it was unbearable. How dare he make her feel like this? My jaw tightened as I stepped forward. "You have no right to talk to her that way."

Petal looked between us, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. "Chase..." she said, her voice soft as she glanced at him.

Before she could take another step toward him, I grabbed her arm, stopping her in place. "I’m Chase," I said firmly, holding her arm tightly. My grip sent a message—she belonged near me, not him.

"Don’t you listen to me?" I hissed, tightening my hold slightly. "Why don’t you believe me when I’m telling you the truth?"

"Let her go!" Chase growled, his eyes blazing as he strode toward me. With a swift motion, he grabbed Petal’s other arm, pulling her away from me. His protective instincts were in full force as he positioned her behind him, creating a shield between us.

"Come here, Petal," I said, my voice softer now but still laced with urgency. "I’m Chase. I’m the one you can trust."

"She’s not that naive to believe you," Chase shot back, his voice steady but filled with anger.

My patience snapped. "Why not? Why won’t you believe me, Petal?" I shouted, my voice breaking slightly as a wave of frustration and fury consumed me. The thought of her choosing him over me made my blood boil. I was losing control. "Why him and not me?"

Before I could stop myself, my hand moved instinctively toward the gun I carried. In an instant, I fired a shot—not at him, but at the ground near his feet.

Chase moved quickly, grabbing Petal and pulling her away to safety. His sharp movements made my heart race.

"Are you crazy?" Chase roared, his protective arm still around Petal.

"Yes!" I screamed back, unhinged by the emotions surging within me. "I’m crazy for her! Petal is mine, and I want her now! Give her to me!"

He didn’t respond, but his body tensed as he stood his ground. The sight of them together—her standing so close to him—drove me further into madness. My grip on the weapon tightened as I fired another shot, deliberately missing again but closing the gap between us.

Chase moved once more, shielding Petal from harm as they avoided the second shot. His fury boiled over, and before I knew it, he took a large step toward me. In one swift motion, he grabbed the weapon from my hand. His strength, coupled with his anger, was undeniable.

"Shut it and get out of here," he warned, his voice low and threatening as he pointed the gun at me. "If you try anything else, you missed, but I won’t. Now leave!"

I paused, weighing my options. His grip on the weapon was firm, and the fire in his eyes told me he wasn’t bluffing.

"Fine," I said, feigning defeat. I stepped past him, moving toward the door. But as I neared, an idea formed in my mind.

Without hesitation, I moved quickly, pulling Petal toward me in one swift motion. My arm wrapped around her securely as I reached into my pocket, pulling out a syringe.

"Don’t," I warned, pressing the needle against Petal’s neck. The sharp edge of it barely touched her skin, but it was enough to freeze Chase in his tracks.

His expression changed instantly, fear flickering in his eyes. "Let her go," he demanded, his voice trembling slightly despite his strong exterior.

"I said don’t come closer, or I’ll inject Petal with this poisoned syringe," I warned, my voice cold and unwavering. The syringe hovered dangerously close to her neck, and I could feel her trembling against me.

Chase froze in place, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. His jaw tightened, and his eyes blazed with fury, but there was a flicker of fear as well—fear for her.

"Let her go," he demanded, his voice low but filled with authority. "You don’t have to do this."

I laughed bitterly. "Don’t I? You think I’m bluffing? You think I’d hesitate for a second?" I pressed the syringe closer, just enough for Petal to gasp softly.

"Stop!" Chase’s voice cracked slightly, betraying the calm facade he was trying to maintain. "Please… don’t hurt her."

"Then listen to me!" I snapped, my grip tightening around Petal. "Drop the act, Chase. You’re not the hero here. She’s mine, and you’re just in the way."

"She’s not yours," he shot back, his voice like a whip. "And she’ll never be. Let her go, or I swear—"

"You swear what?" I cut him off, sneering.

"You’re unarmed. You’re powerless. Do you really think you can save her without risking her life?"

Petal whimpered softly, her eyes darting to Chase. Her fear only fueled the fire inside me, the twisted satisfaction of having control over the situation.

"Okay," Chase said through gritted teeth, his shoulders sagging slightly as if he were surrendering. "What do you want? Just… don’t hurt her."

I smirked. "Now, that’s better. All I want is for you to step aside and let me leave with her. That’s all."

Chase’s eyes darted to the syringe and then to Petal. He was calculating, I could see it—but I wasn’t about to let him outsmart me.

"You think I’m going to let you walk out of here with her?" he asked, his voice steady now, though anger simmered beneath the surface.

"You don’t have a choice," I replied simply. "Unless you’re willing to gamble with her life."

"Throw it," I said, nodding toward the gun in his hand. My voice was calm, but the situation was anything but.

Chase’s grip faltered for a moment. "I’ll do it. Just release her."

"First, drop it," I repeated, pressing the syringe slightly closer to Petal’s neck. She closed her eyes tightly, her breaths coming in shaky gasps.

I couldn’t help but smile. The sight of her trapped in my hold, scared yet so beautiful—it made my chest tighten in exhilaration.

Reluctantly, Chase placed the gun on the floor, his eyes never leaving mine. But just as he did, Petal’s subtle movement distracted me for a split second.

Chase lunged.

"Don’t come closer!" I barked, pulling Petal back slightly, keeping her shielded. "Step away, or I swear I’ll do it."

Chase froze again, his hands raised slightly in surrender. "Okay," he said through gritted teeth. "Just don’t hurt her."

"Good," I murmured, my eyes locked on his. "Now, let me talk to her."

Chase took a step back, his body tense and ready to pounce at any moment. "Don’t even think about it," I warned again, keeping Petal firmly in my grasp.

This wasn’t over. Not yet.

---

"Now stay there and let me talk to Petal," I commanded Chase, keeping the syringe pressed close to her neck.

Petal’s breathing was erratic, her body trembling against mine. I leaned closer, my voice soft but menacing. "Tell me, Petal, where were you hiding?"

She didn’t answer. Her lips quivered, but not a word escaped.

"I asked you something!" I snapped, pulling her closer. She shut her eyes tightly, tears threatening to spill.

Chase attempted to step closer.

"Didn’t you hear me?" I growled. "Stay back!"

Chase froze, his fists clenched at his sides, glaring at me with a mixture of fury and helplessness.

"Now, tell me, Petal," I continued, my voice lowering dangerously. "Where were you hiding?"

"In... in Chase’s room," she stammered, her voice barely audible. A single tear slid down her cheek.

I narrowed my eyes. "I checked everywhere. You weren’t there. Don’t lie to me."

"I... I was there," she cried, her voice breaking.

I turned to Chase, a sinister smirk playing on my lips. "Is she telling the truth, Chase?"

"Yes," he said through gritted teeth.

"Where was she hiding?" I pressed, leaning forward slightly.

"Don’t tell him," a dark laugh escaped me. "Ah, so it’s still there, isn’t it? That  hideaway where you use to keep your victims . Let’s go see it, shall we?"

"Leave her here," Chase said quickly. "Let’s just us go."

I tilted my head mockingly. "Leave her? Oh no, she’s coming with us. It’s been too long since she’s been there, hasn’t it? Lead the way, Chase."

He hesitated, looking at Petal, then back at me.

"Didn’t you hear me?" I hissed, pressing the syringe harder against Petal’s neck. She winced, her body jerking slightly. "Do you want me to inject her?"

"Okay, okay, I’ll do it," Chase said, his voice heavy with frustration.

"Then move," I ordered.

Chase reluctantly turned and began walking. Petal flinched with every step, her fear palpable. We entered his room, and I watched as Chase hesitated before pressing a hidden button in the almirah. The door to the secret space slid open, revealing the dark, confined area within.

"Well, well," I said with a grin. "Still the same as ever."

"Leave Petal here," Chase repeated, his voice more desperate now.

"And let you play the hero? Not a chance, brother," I sneered. "She’s coming with us. Isn’t that right, Petal?"

I leaned in close, my face inches from hers. She turned her head away, trembling.

"Answer me," I said coldly, pressing the syringe harder against her skin. She winced and finally whispered, "Yes."

"Good girl," I said mockingly.

Chase led us inside, his jaw tight with suppressed rage. As we walked deeper into the space, I noticed Petal beginning to panic. Her breaths quickened, her eyes darting around as if haunted by memories buried within these walls.

"Petal," Chase said gently, stepping closer.

"Stay back!" I barked, pulling her closer to me. "Don’t test me."

"She’ll faint at this rate!" Chase yelled, his voice desperate. "She needs to get out of here!"

"That’s not your decision to make," I snapped, my grip on Petal tightening.

I pressed the syringe harder against her neck. Petal whimpered in pain.

"Stop!" Chase yelled. "Don’t hurt her!"

"I haven’t injected her yet," I said calmly, my tone dripping with malice. "But if you don’t back off, I will."

Chase froze, his chest heaving with rage.

"What do you want?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"First, get in that cage," I said, gesturing toward the confinement area.

He didn’t move, just stared at me.

"I said, do it!" I snarled, pulling Petal closer.

Chase’s eyes burned with hatred, but he stepped forward and walked into the cage.

"Lock the door," I said, shoving Petal toward it.

She hesitated, looking at Chase, her eyes pleading.

"Do it," I ordered, my voice like a whip. "Or do you want me to inject you right now?"

Petal’s hands shook as she reached for the lock. She hesitated for a moment longer before finally securing it.

I laughed, the sound echoing in the small space. "You’re not as smart as I thought, Chase."

"You..." Chase growled, his fists gripping the bars of the cage.

"This syringe?" I said, holding it up. "It’s not poison. It’s neuramyl."

Chase’s eyes widened. "You’re planning to erase her memories," he said, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Exactly," I replied. "Originally, I brought it just in case something went wrong. I thought I’d erase everything and start fresh with her. But now..." I paused, a sinister grin spreading across my face. "Now, I have a better idea."

"What idea?" Chase spat.

"I’m going to erase the last few hours of her memory. She mistook me for you earlier, didn’t she? That gave me an idea. Why not become you completely? Your money, your life... and Petal."

Before he could react, I plunged the syringe into Petal’s neck. She struggled, but I only managed to inject half the dose before she broke free. She stumbled toward Chase, her legs shaky, but before she could unlock the cage, she collapsed.

I caught her before she hit the ground, cradling her in my arms.

"It’s okay," I murmured. "Half a dose is enough. She won’t remember anything important."

Turning to Chase, I smirked. "Enjoy your stay here, brother. I’ll be taking Petal with me now."

I carried her out of the room, leaving Chase trapped behind the bars, his shouts echoing in the distance.

---

End of Flashback

This is how I caged Chase. My plan was flawless—almost. The incomplete dose meant Petal only forgot an hour’s worth of memories . She remembered everything  my visit,  confessing  , trying to take her and even seeing me with Chase but gladly not the most important part caging Chase . But still  She remembered enough to make my job harder, but I’ll win her over.

"Just wait, Chase," I whispered to himself.

"You’ll see how easily I make Petal mine."

Author note: Hey everyone,

I just wanted to share something that's been on my mind. As a writer, I often imagine scenes so vividly in my head—almost like a movie playing out—but when I sit down to write them, I feel like I’m not expressing them as well as I see them. This sometimes makes me doubt my story and my ability to bring it to life the way I want to.

It would mean so much to me if you could take a moment to share your thoughts about the story in the comments or at least this chapter . Whether you think it’s good or if there’s something you feel could be improved, I’d really appreciate your feedback.

I’ve never asked for votes, and I won’t ask now, but your comments and opinions truly matter to me. They’d ease my worries and motivate me to keep going. So, if you can, please let me know what you think—it would mean the world!

Thank you so much for your support

❤