Chapter 4%
Then Brandon said to the servant, “Go to Miss Robinson’s room and bring her cat here.“}
The servant pointed to my open car window. “Miss Robinson’s cat is already in the car.“”
He moved to open the door and grab my cat.
I quickly blocked him. “What are you doing? Kerry was left to me by my father. No one is allowed to touch him!“%
Kerry is a ragdoll cat I’ve raised for four years–gentle and obedient.
“Step aside.”
Brandon grabbed my shoulder and shoved me roughly. I stumbled, falling hard onto the rough asphalt. My palm scraped and bled, but I barely noticed the pain. I pushed myself up, desperate to stop him.”
He reached in and grabbed Kerry by the scruff of his neck. Kerry, thinking he was being petted, licked his palm affectionately.%
But instead, Brandon tightened his grip and yanked him out.”
“No, Brandon! Don’t hurt Kerry!“}
I dropped to my knees before him, clutching his trouser leg, begging desperately.
“Omar jumped out suddenly–I didn’t mean to hit him. Please, ask me to do anything–even apologize to Marilyn–but please don’t hurt Kerry!“>
When I first brought Kerry into the He household, Brandon himself had teased the cat, bought him food, and even built him a climbing frame.}
“We’ll protect Anna together, Kerry,” he had said fondly.”
But now Kerry was in Brandon’s grasp, completely vulnerable–at his mercy.
Fear twisted my chest as I kept bowing, begging him to spare Kerry’s life.”
My forehead struck the hard ground repeatedly, soon stained with blood, but I couldn’t stop. I was terrified that if I stopped, Kerry would die.
A flicker of pity crossed Brandon’s eyes, but Marilyn’s sobs cut through the moment:
“Anna, Kerry’s life matters, but Omar’s doesn’t?“}
“I think you’re just jealous of Brandon’s new bride and want revenge!“}
“I can’t live without Omar!“}
Brandon’s face hardened. “Don’t worry. I will avenge Omar.”
Then, with cruel finality, he raised Kerry and slammed him onto the ground.
“No!” I screamed, lunging forward.}
Marilyn grabbed his arm. “Anna, don’t go near him! You’ll get hurt!“}
Kerry’s tiny skull hit the pavement. He whimpered, pain and confusion in his eyes.
I dropped to my knees, cradling the trembling cat as tears spilled uncontrollably.
“Kerry… Kerry…”
Kerry stretched out his pink tongue, licking me one last time.}
Brandon snatched him away again and threw him down once more.}
This time, Kerry didn’t move.
A scream tore from my throat.”
I pushed Brandon away, the world spinning around me.”
My Kerry…E
I sank to the ground, clutching his lifeless, cold body. My eyes were raw and swollen, tears falling like heavy rain.
Then my phone rang.
“I’m here. Where are you?”
True’s cave
