The temperature plummeted as night wore on, and Eulalia shivered, curling into a ball on the floor. The cold was biting, but there was something else: pain. Her stomach was in agony again. She breathed on her palms to warm them, clutching her stomach, but nothing could ease the pain.Her medicine was just inside a drawer, but with her left hand cuffed, she couldn't reach it. She struggled to free herself, only to chafe her wrist.Eulalia peered inside, biting her lip, then pulled a boiled egg from her pocket. Thankfully, she had prepared it earlier, so she wouldn't have to resort to chewing on toilet paper to fill her stomach like last time.She cracked the egg with one hand, slowly peeling and eating it. People with stomach issues usually avoid the yolk, but she had no choice. It was dry and hard to swallow. Eulalia's eyes fixed on the washroom, longing for water.Would she die of thirst this time?Eulalia gave a bitter smile. Percival's methods of tormenting her were endless and nev
Percival got back at ten in the morning, his mind heavy with worry about Eulalia. He didn't dare lock her up for too long, haunted by the memory of what had happened last time.Once home, he played out various scenes in his head: Eulalia tearfully apologizing, or maybe still stubbornly refusing to admit she was wrong. But what he found instead was a nightmare he hadn't even considered—a floor splattered with blood and no sign of Eulalia anywhere.A strange panic seized him, his heart feeling like it was missing a piece. It was like losing a favorite childhood toy and never finding it again.The villa was eerily silent. He shouted Eulalia's name, his voice echoing through the empty rooms, answered only by silence.He stepped over shattered glass on the balcony, bending down to remove the blood-stained handcuffs still attached to the railing. They felt rusty, like old iron.When had Eulalia disappeared? There were no security cameras in the villa. The quickest way to find her would be t
"I used to think I was the type to love forever, you know? The kind who'd keep going even if I hit a wall. But now..." Eulalia's voice trailed off, and she chuckled, "I've realized that even love can wear thin."Why had she fallen for Percival? She remembered reading something online once.When you fall for someone, you see them shining like a beacon, and you're drawn to them like a moth to a flame. But if they never respond, that light dims, and they become just another speck in the universe. You try to remember how they once shone, but you can't. You realize that the light was just a reflection in your eyes the first time you saw them.For her, that light was Percival, sixteen years ago, carrying her home.But that light had lingered in her eyes for far too long."Why do you want him to fall for you? Haven't you figured it out after four years? Percival's a cold fish. He'll never love you. Don't waste your time on him," Orian's words stung."It's not a waste. I don't have much time
Eulalia was like a broken tape recorder, speaking in fits and starts. Maybe even she didn't know what she was saying. Her mind was a mess, but her heart was even messier.Her words were like pebbles thrown into Percival's calm lake of a heart, causing ripples that quickly smoothed over.For some reason, Percival's heart ached. He looked at Eulalia but saw Evadne's face in his mind. What was Eulalia compared to that? Why should he be afraid of her hypothetical scenarios?The room was warm, bathed in bright sunlight that seemed to sweep away all the shadows in the corners. Despite the warmth, Percival broke into a cold sweat.He suddenly stood up, gripping Eulalia's thin chin. "Trying to gain my sympathy? You think a few words can make up for your past mistakes?"Eulalia paused for a second and then smiled. "You saw through me, huh?"Half of her face was in shadow, making her expression elusive.So it was true! Percival felt relieved to have his suspicions confirmed. He wanted to scold
“Look, I’m not opposed to you going out to work,” Percival finally relented. “Just make sure you prepare breakfast and dinner for me, just like you used to, according to my tastes.”Eulalia knew there had to be a catch. “And what if I don’t agree?”“Then don’t even think about stepping out,” Percival said, fully aware that Eulalia had grown more defiant. Taming her wouldn’t happen overnight. “You know I can make it happen.”In a way, Percival, a man who had little regard for the law, could indeed make it happen. Unless, of course, he went bankrupt like her, which was highly unlikely.“Why don’t you just have Evadne cook for you? She seemed to be quite to your taste at the dinner table last time. Why not let her do it?”Percival replied nonchalantly, “Got tired of it. Want to switch it up. You better do a good job, or I’ll lock you up for good.”She was already close to her breaking point; being locked up would just drive her insane.“You’re so picky,” Eulalia retorted.“So, are you do
Percival carried the dishes to the dining table. It was just the two of them for dinner, with Mabel's portion set aside. To Percival, this seemed superfluous; servants usually had their meals prepared separately.Percival picked up his utensils and sampled the boiled greens. The dish appeared simple but was actually a test of culinary skill. Undercook it, and it would taste bitter; overcook it, and it would lose its flavor. He took a bite and found it perfectly cooked. The taste was refreshing, and the broth was delicious. This was his first time tasting Eulalia's cooking, and he was pleasantly surprised. It was as if she had tailored the dish to his palate.The thought that he had never tasted any of Eulalia's cooking in the past four years filled him with a tinge of regret. But then again, it wasn't too late.Percival then picked up a piece of the sweet and sour rib. It was boneless, and a single bite released a burst of tangy and savory juices. It was appetizing.Usually, Percival
Eulalia curled up under the blanket, her eyes stinging from the pungent smell of antiseptic.Percival didn't know what to say. After applying the medicine, he picked up his pajamas and headed into the bathroom.The sound of running water filled the room. Struggling, Eulalia sat up to grab some pills from the drawer. She didn't even bother with water, just dry-swallowed them.Percival was quick in the bathroom. He came out in less than ten minutes, got into bed, and pulled Eulalia into his arms, blanket and all.Feeling uncomfortable with his assertive embrace, Eulalia shifted a bit and finally said, somewhat annoyed, "Can you sleep in another room?""Where should I sleep?"Eulalia looked drained. "There are plenty of rooms. If you can't find one, go sleep in Evadne's room. You slept just fine there the night before last, didn't you?""When did I ever sleep in her room?"Eulalia tensed up, almost imperceptibly. So Percival hadn't slept with Evadne? Then what about the marks on Evadne's
After moving back into the villa, Eulalia started job hunting. Weirdly enough, she applied to over a dozen companies online and didn't hear back from a single one.She couldn't help but wonder if there was some glitch in the system. Early in the morning, Eulalia made breakfast and changed into formal attire.Percival came downstairs for breakfast and saw her all dressed up. "You heading out?" he asked."Job interviews," Eulalia replied, sipping her porridge.Percival almost forgot about Eulalia's plans to work. Hadn't he asked Oliver to handle it? Why would anyone still call her for interviews?After a quick glance at the time, Eulalia hurriedly finished her porridge and left. Percival watched her go, then called Oliver, instructing him to keep an eye on her and make sure she didn't find a job.Oliver found Percival's behavior puzzling and, as an observer, quite off-putting.Eulalia was a 24-year-old adult. Keeping her cooped up at home would eventually ruin her ability to function in