Revenge After Death

"Come on, Stephie," Steven grabbed my wrist as I attempted to leave.

Before Joel, who was outside the door, could enter the house, Steven kicked the door shut, trapping Joel outside.

Startled by his frustration, I asked in puzzlement, "What do you want—"

"I want to lock you up... in the basement, where I'll be the only one knowing of your existence," Steven's voice was hoarse as if suppressing his emotions.

He pressed me against the corner, enveloping me with a pressuring demeanor.

I had never seen him like this before; and honestly, I was rather scared by his current behavior.

It reminded me of what Mom wrote in her log, how Steven had imprisoned Stephanie in the basement and abused her.

"Y-You're not serious, are you?" I asked shakily.

Steven pulled me into his arms, sighing softly.

"Stephie... I just want you to live a normal life, with friends like Rachel, and a normal... husband and children. Spending the rest of your life happily, safely, without worries." "I'll give you that regardless of the price to pay... " Steven added softly.

was

chest and feeling his heartbeat beneath. For some reason,

as if he had always seen himself as a monster, outside

this mean that he would eventually let go of me? Or perhaps, he had

do you? Must I recite the pi thing to prove

sense of

to pity me, or try to test me... " I said stubbornly, worried that

sighed helplessly. "Your husband is a genius, isn't he?

realized that my numb heart could

my angry

arms, as though I weighed

discreetly poked his muscular arm, confirming that it was his formidable strength that made me feel so

the kidnapping incident,

Steven had settled me on the

had a severe headache and felt drowsy, slipping into

she can