Chapter 1

"I… I'm going to take a shower! You're not allowed to peek, okay?" As Hudson Jarrott listened to the sounds of the shower running in the bathroom, he could feel his heart pounding wildly in his chest. A mixture of eagerness and uneasiness began to rise from within. He pinched himself on the cheek, trying to make sure if what he was experiencing at the moment was real. "The campus Belle of my university is taking a shower in my bathroom right now! She might even spend the night in my apartment! Holy shit… Did I have too much to drink?" Hudson said to himself. His lips curled into a self-deprecating smile. Even though it was unbelievable, the fact that it happened still stood. This was his reality now. Since he had just gotten his heart broken, he originally thought that he'd seal his heart away and avoid falling in love for the rest of his life. Who would've thought that his second opportunity at finding love came so soon? Anne Sullivan, the perfect woman with stunning looks, impeccable charm, and top grades, actually wrote him a love letter and confessed to him out of nowhere. She had even asked him, "Can I… spend the night in your apartment?" Hudson felt that no one would ever say no to that type of request as long as they were men with any amount of libido. The way things had unfolded were so unpredictable and cheesy that not even authors implemented this trope into their novels. Hudson turned on the television with a trembling hand, hoping to ease his nervousness and primal urges. Hopefully, whatever that was playing on the TV could help distract him. He did his best to focus on the news that was being reported on the news channel instead of the beautiful girl in the bathroom. Soon, the news anchor's serious voice helped him regain a semblance of rationality. The news anchor reported, "The police hosted a press conference today to brief us on the latest updates of their investigation on a series of murders involving young women. "According to the police, a total of five cases where young women were brutally murdered had happened in our city in just last month. "The victims' ages were between 16 to 20 years old. Their identities were vastly different, but they were murdered using the same method." The news anchor's monotonous cadence rang out in Hudson's living room. "The police have concentrated all of their resources and efforts into solving this series of murder cases at the moment. All citizens are advised to be vigilant. "Young women, in particular, are encouraged to avoid going out at night. If you happen to notice any suspicious individuals, please do not hesitate to call the police. "The police hope that all citizens can proactively provide clues to them to help them arrest the murderer as soon as possible. That way, peace can be restored to our society." "Do these people not work or study? All they ever do is get revenge against this society," Hudson complained while knocking his knuckles on the coffee table subconsciously. Although he wanted to focus his attention on the news, the movements coming from the bathroom as well as Anne's faint fragrance kept reminding him of one thing. A voice in his head kept echoing, asking him to stop watching the news and look at the bathroom. "Hudson." Just as Hudson's mind was filled with nonsensical thoughts, the sounds of the shower had stopped. Anne was standing at the bathroom doorway in nothing but a white towel. Her appearance instantly attracted Hudson's full attention. Hudson picked up the TV's remote control and immediately changed the channel. He didn't want such a horrifying scene broadcasted by the TV to appear before Anne. Anne's skin seemed extraordinarily delicate under the hallway's lights. Water droplets slid off the ends of her hair, adding a charm of purity to her visage. "Sorry, but can you lend some clothes? I didn't bring any pajamas with me." Anne's gentle voice was laced with a hint of shyness. "Okay," Hudson replied. He stood up while feeling his heart thunder inside his chest. He walked toward the closet and opened it, only to find out that his ex-girlfriend's clothes were still there. At first, Hudson thought of lending Anne one of those clothes. However, the sight of the skimpy nightgown made of translucent fabric made him cancel that notion. He'd definitely be viewed as a pervert if he did that. Hudson tossed the lewd nightgown onto the bed, having made up his mind to throw it away when he had time later. After that, he pulled out a shirt from his closet. His hand trembled slightly as he passed the shirt to Anne, his eyes stubbornly avoiding her gaze the whole time. "Thank you…" Anne said. She flipped her hair, which was still dripping wet, with one hand while accepting the shirt with the other. She moved gracefully and elegantly, showcasing her good mannerisms and upbringing. After that, she returned to the bathroom and slipped into Hudson's shirt. When Anne emerged from the bathroom once again, the hems of the shirt happened to cover her thighs, revealing her long and slender legs. She had beautiful legs with smooth outlines and flawless skin, making her look like a masterpiece created by God. Not even a plain shirt could conceal her beauty and charms. Hudson was attracted by every move that Anne made. A trace of wonder and awe could be seen in his eyes. Every move that Anne made radiated beauty and elegance. It made him feel very relaxed around her. "I'll take the couch tonight. The bed's already made. Good night." Hudson tried to sound as composed as possible, but it was difficult for him to suppress his excitement. "But it's not even 9:00 pm yet." Anne smiled gently while drying her hair with a towel. Her smile was as warm as the sun on a spring day. Hudson didn't dare to respond to Anne. His heartbeat accelerated at that moment. He could feel Anne's gaze on him as well, making him blush unconsciously. Anne slowly sank down on the couch. She placed her slender hand onto Hudson's waist before slowly sliding it downward. Hudson trembled immediately from the sudden action. He instinctively sat up straight. At the same time, he was shocked by what was happening. Anne's actions were gentle yet seductive. Each move she made exhibited an inexplicable sense of allure. A cheeky glint danced in her eyes. It was as though she was enjoying the subtle shift in the atmosphere. "Hudson, do you really have the heart to leave me in bed all on my own?" Anne's gentle voice was laced with a hint of risqué charm. Her lips curled into a cheeky smile. Hudson had never seen this side of Anne on campus before. The Anne next to him resembled an enchanting fairy of the night. Her beauty and confidence made her extremely irresistible to others. Hudson's heart kept pounding in his chest. He did his best to remain calm, but Anne's approach made his breathing gradually intensify. "You know what happens if a man and a woman are in the same room, after all," Hudson said. As he spoke, Anne didn't hesitate to straddle him right away. Even though she had already dried her hair with a towel, there were still water droplets hanging off her locks. Those droplets glistened under the light, adding a touch of seductive charm to her visage. Anne said, "You didn't turn my confession down, and you didn't turn down my request when I asked to spend the night at your place. Yet you're trying to play innocent now. Don't you think this is unfair to me, Hudson?" Anne wrapped her arms around Hudson's neck. Their faces were extremely close. He could feel her warm breath on his face and smell the fragrance coming from her body. Her eyes bore into Hudson's, the depths in their pupils seemingly filled with infinite secrets and desires. One could easily get lost in those eyes. Anne was right. The fact that he was outright resisting her would definitely spoil the mood. Hudson took a deep breath. He was already a university freshman. They were both adults, so it was time for him to learn how to deal with such situations. "But then again, I'm curious as to why you'd have a crush on me, Anne," Hudson asked. "Why? Do I need a reason to like someone?" Anne replied. "Honestly speaking… I don't really understand the reason. We barely even know each other," Hudson said. "Is that important?" Anne said as she winked at Hudson, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly at the action. They served to add more to her charm. She added, "Most importantly, you and I want each other very badly right here, right now…" Before Hudson could say anything, Anne leaned over and captured his lips with her own. Her soft lips were firmly pressed against his, their hot breaths soon weaving with each other. The kiss lasted for a very long time. Only when Hudson thought that he was about to suffocate did he feel Anne's lips leaving his. Anne panted heavily while gazing at Hudson, her eyes darkened with lust. "Are you satisfied now?" Then, she tilted her head while flashing Hudson a seductive smile. She grazed a slender finger across his chest suggestively. "Or perhaps… you'd like more?" Hudson was stunned for a moment. Then, he did something bold for the first time ever. He reached out and wrapped his arm around Anne's slender waist. Anne seemed surprised by Hudson's sudden proactiveness. But soon, the hint of surprise morphed into affection for him. Hudson was no fool. He knew very well where his strengths lay. None of them would be able to attract a bombshell like Anne. But if everyone was meant to find their soulmates at a certain point in their lives, why couldn't Anne be his? Hudson decided to not dwell on the reason. Instead, he chose to immerse himself in the moment. He could feel Anne's warmth as their faces got closer to each other. Anne's breathing became a little fast-paced as well. Even her heart rate had picked up. But she still leaned over eagerly. Just as they were about to kiss for the second time, Anne placed her hands on Hudson's chest and shoved him gently back onto the couch. Before he could react, she already placed her hands between his head. After that, she leaned forward to trap him between her arms. A lock of dark hair slid down Anne's shoulder and tickled Hudson's cheek gently. It also strummed his heartstring. "Anne, I'm not a wonderful guy by any means. I know that. Also, I need to be honest to you. I just got out of a relationship. Are you still willing to be with a guy like me despite knowing that?" Hudson's voice was a little bitter. He was filled with uneasiness at the moment. His shirt was too big for Anne. At the moment, half of her body was currently exposed. Hudson couldn't help but look at Anne. The outline of her figure was even more obvious now that the shirt was clinging onto her. She was brimming with youthful energy, yet there was a trace of mysterious and beguiling charm that surrounded her. "Be more confident in yourself, Hudson," Anne bent down slightly and murmured into his ear in a slightly husky voice. "You smell so good that… I can't hold myself back anymore…" As Hudson listened to Anne's response, he was filled with a myriad of strong emotions. He'd never have expected that he was that special to Anne. After all, he had always been a wallflower since he was a kid. Even his ex-girlfriend, whom he had loved with all his heart in the past, broke his heart by dumping him. As time passed, Hudson slowly lost his real self. He got reduced into a timid person without any self-confidence. In fact, he thought he was doomed to toil his life away unnecessarily. But now, Anne, the perfect campus belle who seemed untouchable, actually told him that she had been paying attention to him. She was actually attracted to him. Her words were filled with praise and admiration. There was nothing but encouragement and eagerness in her eyes. It was as though she was telling Hudson, "You're a great guy. You deserve to be loved." Perhaps he shouldn't look down upon himself. Anne was like a ray of hope that dispelled the innermost darkness plaguing Hudson's heart. He wanted to thank her properly before embracing her. However, just as Hudson raised his head to smile at Anne, he noticed something. Anne's dark purple eyes weren't filled with love. They were taken over by the primal hunger exhibited by predators when they saw their prey. Meanwhile, Anne's supposedly smooth shoulders and delicate collar bone were covered by some sort of a weird tattoo. "Anne…" Hudson said. "Ahh…" Anne covered her mouth daintily and giggled, as though her secret was discovered. "You smell too good… Hudson, I really, really can't… hold myself back anymore." She opened her mouth wide, the warm smile now wiped away from her face. A row of jagged sharp teeth could be seen lining along her exposed cavity. Anne's cheeks were flushed. Her eyes glowed in an eerie shade of purple, making her look even more demonic. Hudson was shocked. "Who the hell are—" A loud squelching sound echoed throughout the room. Before Hudson could register what just happened, Anne's hand—or rather, her claw—had already penetrated his chest. Ba-dump. Ba-dump. Hudson could feel the young woman clutching his heart firmly at the moment. Young woman? As if. Hudson's breathing gradually quickened. Blood began seeping down the corner of his mouth as well. Anne was a monster. "Babe, I got your core now!" With an eerie smile painted over her face, Anne proceeded to rip out Hudson's heart.