Chapter 1 - The Lighter in the Foyer
The grand marble foyer was silent except for the muffled, quiet sob of a terrified young woman. Warm ambient lights glowed against the high ceilings and polished floors, casting long shadows across the extravagant entry hall.
Teresa, a young housekeeper wearing a traditional black-and-white lace maid uniform, sat bound tightly to a grand marble column. Coarse ropes cut into her trembling wrists, leaving red marks across her skin. Tear tracks glistened on her pale cheeks as she stared down at the floor in complete helplessness.
Hovering over her was Vanessa, looking stunning yet terrifying in a red one-shoulder silk evening dress with a daring high slit and gleaming silver jewelry. Her dark hair was styled into an elegant updo, contrasting sharply with the cruel malice in her eyes.
Vanessa leaned down, flicking open a polished metal lighter. A small yellow flame sputtered to life, hovering inches from Teresa's face.
"This will teach you your place," Vanessa whispered, her voice dripping with venom.
Suddenly, the heavy front door creaked open. David pushed the entrance door inward, stepping into the mansion while rolling a black leather suitcase behind him in his tailored tuxedo.
The suitcase handle dropped to the hardwood floor with a sharp, heavy thud.
David stopped dead in his tracks, horror and pure shock freezing his jaw as his eyes landed on the horrific scene in his own home.
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"Vanessa… what are you doing?" David asked, his deep voice trembling with sudden dread.
👉 What lie did Vanessa instantly scramble to tell when she realized her groom was standing in the doorway?
