Chapter 20
Today I was allowed to go home. But to be honest, I still wish Samuel would come to pick me up. Bringing warm food or little flowers, like he used to. But there was no news, even though I called many times.
“Miss Agnes, you shouldn’t go home alone at this time of night. No one to pick you up?” the doctor asked with concern.}
I shook my head, smiling bitterly. “My husband is probably busy.”}
Even though I knew… he wasn’t coming on purpose.
The sky was already dark when I left the hospital. The night air was piercingly cold. I tried to order a taxi online, but none were available. “Dizzy,” I muttered. Stomach nauseous, head heavy. Probably the effect of the medicine.
Two men approached. Tall, well–built, their gazes suspicious.
“Hello, beautiful. Alone? Want a ride?” said one with an annoying smile.
“Sorry, I already ordered a taxi,” I replied quietly as I backed away.
“It’s late. It’s safer to come with us,” said the other as he stared at my body. Disgusted.
“Don’t touch me!” I shouted. But they started pulling my arms.
I tried to escape, but they were too strong. They dragged me to the edge of a dark, deserted forest.
“Why here?” I asked trembling. There was no answer.
fought, screamed, begged. But only the sounds of the night answered. They didn’t just destroy my body. They destroyed my dignity.
I don’t know how I got home. My body was scarred, my clothes torn. But what hurt the most was not that but the crushing feeling inside my chest.
As I approached the house, I heard laughter from inside.
“Everything went well, didn’t it?” Samuel’s mother’s voice.
“Easier than I thought,” Samuel replied. Lightly, as if talking about a normal job.
“He believes you love him,” Livia said with a laugh. “He signed the power of attorney so easily.“}
“She’s just a tool. In fact, I poisoned her father’s coffee,” Samuel said calmly.}
I put my hand over my mouth. I wanted to vomit, I wanted to scream. But I just kept quiet. For now, I’ll just have to pretend I don’t know When I walked in, Samuel looked surprised. “Agnes? Are you home?“>
I nodded. “Sorry to interrupt.” My voice was flat, trembling.}
“You didn’t hear anything earlier, did you?” he asked quickly.
I looked at him. Then shook my head. “No, I didn’t. I’m too tired.”
“Good,” he said, relieved.}
Livia came closer. “Why do you look like you just rolled in the mud?“}
I looked down. “I fell down.“}
“Torn clothes, red neck… not like you fell.” her eyes narrowed sarcastically, “you look like you just got out of another man’s arms.“>
She leaned closer, her face almost pressed against mine. “Who are you sleeping with, Agnes? Don’t tell me you’re selling yourself on the streets for the attention you don’t get from your husband?“}
“What do you mean? I just fell!” I replied softly.
“No! I smell another man,” she whispered sarcastically. “Just out of the hospital, looking for entertainment?“>
My hands clenched into fists. With all the strength I had left, I slapped Livia’s cheek.§
“Agnes, you’re crazy!” Samuel pushed me to the ground.”
“He’s the one accusing me of all sorts of things!” I shouted, trying to stand up.§
Without warning, Samuel’s hand slammed into my cheek. It was a hard slap. I fell, my body hitting the cold floor.
“Livia’s my wife!” he shouted, his eyes red. “She’s everything to me! Who do you think you are to touch her like that?! You’re just a shadow wife. The moment I got tired of you, I threw you away!“}}
I looked down at him. My lips were bleeding. But I remained silent. Does it hurt? Yes, it does. But it’s much more painful to know who the person I used to call husband really is.”
