Chase visits her

It was Friday evening when Chase dropped by unannounced.

Valeria opened the door in ripped jeans, a cropped sweatshirt, and glossy lipstick—clothes she would’ve sworn were “too young” for her just weeks ago.

Chase’s grin was immediate. “Damn, Val. You really are showing up today.”

Her lips curled at the name. She loved to hear Chase call her that. “Guess you bring out the best in me.”

He stepped inside, brushing past her, his shoulder grazing hers just enough to feel intentional.

Diego was in the living room, headphones on, glaring when he saw Chase.

“Still breathing, huh?” Chase called out casually.

Diego muttered something under his breath, but Valeria—no, Val—beat him to it.

“Don’t be rude, lil’ mierda. Chase is our guest.” She punctuated it with a teasing slap to the back of his head as she passed.

When they were alone in the kitchen, Chase leaned on the counter, his voice low and velvety.

“You’ve been thinking about her a lot, haven’t you?”

Val tilted her head, feigning confusion. “Her?”

“That girl you really are. The one who’s been running the show more and more.” He stepped closer, eyes locking onto hers. “Face it—Valeria’s just some role you’ve been stuck playing for years. The real you? She’s sharper. Sexier. Crueler. Alive.”

A thrill went through her, sharp and hot. “Maybe I just like the power.”

“Exactly.” He leaned even closer, close enough that she could smell his cologne. “You didn’t become a doctor to save people, Val. You did it because you like watching them squirm while you hold the cure. You like their fear. You like knowing they need you—and you can give or take that help however you want.”

Her breath hitched. Images flickered in her mind—patients pleading for her advice, her taking her time, watching them sweat.

The truth was… she had enjoyed that. Even before all this.

Chase’s smile widened as he read her silence. “See? That’s not Valeria. That’s you. And the more you let her out, the more you’ll see you’ve been Val all along.”

Her smirk matched his now. “…Maybe you’re right.”

“Oh, I’m always right,” he murmured. “Now… let’s make her permanent.”