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

leaning against his chest and feeling his heartbeat beneath. For some reason, I

me whispered that Steven himself wasn't included in that wish, as if he had always seen himself as a monster, outside the realm of

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

shirt and asked, "You still don't believe that I'm Stephanie Carlson, do you? Must I recite the pi thing to prove it?" Steven ruffled my hair without answering. Though it was just a simple gesture of comfort, it managed

of security and was constantly enveloped in

test me... " I said stubbornly, worried that this might be

"Your husband is a genius, isn't he? So you should have more faith in

realized that

the slight bleeding from my angry steps earlier as he

me effortlessly into his arms, as though I weighed no more than a

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

Yasmin's upheaval and the kidnapping incident, I was

Steven had settled me on the bed, I drifted

of the sedatives, I had a severe headache and felt drowsy, slipping into a

you truly believe she can comprehend love after