It was May of 2018. Desiree's living hell was more of the same. She talked to John about it a lot. He begged her to call the police, leave Eli, or at the very least tell one of her family members. She always refused. She and Eli were in San Diego for a charity ball. Andrea was watching Hallie back in New York. Desiree was in line at a coffee shop. Someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and saw John.

"Hey." She said.

"Hi." They hugged. "What are you doing in San Diego?"

"Eli and I are here for a charity ball." Desiree could see the anger in John's face when she mentioned Eli's name.

"Is Hallie here?"

"She's in New York with Andrea." "Every time we talk it seems like we're always talking about my problems." "How are you doing since the split from NIkki?"

"I'm doing alright." "If you need anything while you're here you know where I live."

"I know."

Later that night Desiree and Eli were getting ready to go to the charity ball. Desiree came out of the bedroom wearing a sliver dress

"Wow, you look beautiful." Eli said going up to her.

"Thank you." They kissed. "You look handsome to."

"Since we don't have Hallie tonight, you can be as loud as you want to later."

At the charity ball everyone was having a good time. Desiree and Eli were at a table full of people. Eli was trying to sell one of the men at the table on building a custom home.

"Let me give one of my cards." Eli said going into his wallet and handed it to him. "If you change your mind, just let me know what kind of price range you're in and we'll see what we can do."

"I have a feeling I will change my mind." The man said.

"Let's dance." Desiree said to Eli.

They got up and went out on the dancefloor and started slow dancing.

"You know, I think we should buy some land so I can build for us." Eli said. "People need samples of what I can do."

"Eli talking business her isn't smart." "It's just not the right time or place."

"I see." He said getting angry. "You're embarrassed by me."

"No."

"Come on." They left.

Eli was speeding down the highway.

"You like embarrassing me don't you!?" He yelled.

"No." "I was just trying to say-

"Shut the fuck up!" He punched her in the face. "We're having a good time and you go and ruin it." He grabbed her head and slammed it three times on the dashboard.

"Eli stop."

"Fine get out." He undid her seatbelt open the passenger door and tried to push her out of the car.

"Eli stop!" She yelled in terror. "Don't please, ahhhhh".

Twenty minutes later John was at home. There was a knock at his door. He opened the door. His jaw dropped when he saw Desiree. She had a big bruise on her forehead, a bloody nose and her dress was ripped.

"Oh my god, come here." John said.

She went inside. "He tried to push me out of the car." She said tearfully.

"What?" He said shocked.

"On the highway."

"Do you need to go to the hospital?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Desiree he tried to kill you." "Please let me call the police, please." He pleaded.

"Ok."

He got his cell phone and dialed 911.

"911, what is your emergency?" The operator asked.

"I want to report an attempted murder." John said.