Roxy

I moved to this small town a few months ago looking for a fresh start. That's when I met Marcus. He's a local politician—confident, charming, and seemingly respected by everyone. We'd only recently started dating, though a few new friends warned me there was another side to him. I didn't listen. Then Marcus organized a charity event to raise money for the local schools. One attraction was a date auction. He encouraged me to enter. "It's for charity, Rox. Besides, who here can outbid me?" I laughed and agreed. To Marcus, it was already decided. He'd make a big donation, "win" his girlfriend, and everyone would applaud. Auction night, Marcus immediately bid $1,000. Then a voice came from the back. "$5,000." Marcus laughed. "$10,000." "$20,000." His smile faded. "$30,000." "$50,000." Now the entire room was watching. Marcus's jaw tightened. "$75,000!" A pause. Then, calmly: "$100,000." Marcus lowered his paddle. I stared toward the back, trying to see the stranger who had just paid $100,000 for a date with me. I'd never met him. But Marcus had. Years ago, Marcus had made his life hell throughout high school. The boy Marcus remembered had left town for college. Now he'd come home. And judging by Marcus's face, he wasn't the same person who left.