Warning: This chapter contains graphic descriptions of torture and intense physical and emotional distress.Eulalia was forcibly held aloft, her eyes widened as though being drawn upwards, incapable of closing. Her typically captivating pupils had turned blood-red, so intensely hued they appeared on the verge of bleeding.The bindings around her wrists were slackened, followed by those encircling her neck and ankles. The blood-drenched chains clattered to the ground.A scent reminiscent of rust pervaded the air. Eulalia reclined on a wooden plank, her breaths shallow. Her chest motionless; were her eyes not open, one might presume her deceased.The jagged object embedded in her collarbone remained unextracted. At the end of a slender chain dangled a silver hook, akin to a fish hook piercing through gills.Eulalia tumbled from the board to the earth, propelled by the man’s force. Prostrate, blood dripped from the corner of her mouth to the floor.“Summon the fool we apprehended two day
Vincent could do nothing but watch helplessly as steel needles pierced Eulalia’s nails during their torturous ordeal. His emotions gradually crumbled as he crawled forward, his back pressed down by a crushing force, repeatedly falling under the unbearable weight.“Kill me, please! Just kill me and spare Eula, please don’t do this to her...” His memories had only recently returned, with a 15-year gap. The most vivid memory he had was of Eulalia. He knew she was terrified of pain and couldn’t bear the sight of her fingers being pierced by steel needles, watching her nails crack and fall off amidst blood and flesh.The man glanced at Vincent with a mocking look, then turned to Eulalia, asking, “Shall we continue?” Eulalia, drenched in cold sweat from pain, seemed deaf to his words, tremblingly redialing a number on her phone.Still, no one answered. Eulalia’s hands were covered in blood; eventually, she lacked the strength to press the keys, and the man dialed for her. On the tenth call,
The doctor had seen countless patients and injuries, but never had he encountered someone as severely injured as Eulalia.Her wounds were so grave that they sent shivers down anyone′s spine. The person who did this to her would be insulted by being called an animal.After hearing the doctor’s words, Percival felt numb, as if cut off from the world, engulfed in darkness.Exhausted, the doctor continued, “I can’t imagine how she endured until now.”The doctor′s empathy was strong. When Eulalia was being treated in the ICU, every medical staff member furrowed their brows in concern.“Sir, I must tell you in advance, her ten fingers were filled with steel needles. Even if the wounds heal, she’ll be disabled,” the doctor said in an even tone, but the words struck Percival like a dagger.Percival, confused and distraught, asked, “Disabled? What do you mean?”“The nerves in her fingers are destroyed. She can live a normal life, but won′t be able to use her hands as before. Writing or typing
Percival stared at the screen, his heart sinking as he saw Eulalia’s stomach, twisted and overrun with cancer cells. The room fell into a haunting silence.“Is that Eulalia’s stomach?” he whispered, disbelief in his voice.The nurse’s words hit him like a barrage of arrows. “Sir, if you’re still in denial, thinking these medical records are forged, these images fake, ask yourself - have you not seen her in agonizing stomach pain, unable to sleep through the night?”“Have you not seen her vomit blood?!” the nurse pressed on, her voice growing more intense. “Have you not seen her faint from the pain and rushed to the hospital? Normal stomach issues don’t cause such suffering!”Each question was like a bomb exploding in Percival’s mind, sending shockwaves through his entire being. A cold shiver ran from his feet to the nape of his neck. He wanted to argue, to deny, but words failed him. His face, usually so composed, now betrayed a flicker of panic.No matter how much he didn’t want to b
“Stay with Mabel,” Percival’s voice was distant, devoid of the warmth Evadne so desperately sought. She could sense the chasm of coldness in his tone, a confusing contradiction to his actions. He had traded Eulalia’s life for hers, a gesture that should signify her importance to him. Yet, his aloofness since her return spoke a different language – one of indifference and detachment.A wave of hurt swelled within Evadne, her voice quivering with vulnerability. “Percy, won’t you spend even a moment longer with me?”“I’m needed at the hospital, for Eulalia,” Percival responded, his voice strained, betraying the burden he carried.“Eulalia... she’s alive?” Evadne’s words were laced with a mix of incredulity and a subtle hint of resentment. The idea that Eulalia had survived, despite the odds, gnawed at her.The silence on the phone was palpable, and Evadne, realizing her tone, quickly changed the subject. “How is she, really?”Percival, not keen on elaborating, answered tersely, “She’s st
Percival’s tone and expression showed unmistakable impatience.Evadne lifted her tear-stained face, “Percy, I know you’re blaming me. After all, Eulalia is in this state because she tried to save me. I feel so guilty, especially when I think of what I’ve done in the past. I’ve wronged Eulalia and caused her harm.”Hearing this, Percival’s expression darkened even more. In the past, he might have offered her some perfunctory comfort, but ever since Eulalia’s miscarriage a few months ago and after seeing those two surveillance videos, he realized Evadne’s quick to change faces and adept at acting.Whether her intentions were genuine or not, Percival no longer cared.He had traded Eulalia for Evadne’s life, and as far as he was concerned, they were now even.Evadne always played the innocent, while Eulalia, stubborn as she was, never backed down until she was deeply wronged, only then saying, “Percival, you never believe me.”The child who cries gets the candy. Eulalia wouldn’t shed a te
Eulalia’s condition remained precarious, teetering on the brink of danger one moment and in a vegetative state the next.A month had already passed with Percival stationed in the hospital, which had become his makeshift studio. He worked in quiet solitude while vigilantly caring for Eulalia, seizing every opportunity to speak with her.The doctor suggested that talking to her might stimulate her brain to awaken.Percival devoted copious amounts of time to Eulalia, playing her favorite violin music and massaging her. Due to her immobility, her muscles had atrophied, and even if she were to wake up, she wouldn’t function like before.He spent hours each day massaging her legs and moving her limbs to maintain some physical activity.The wounds on Eulalia’s fingers were slowly healing, leaving a tapestry of needle marks even after the bandages were removed, as if they would never fade.Her once delicate fingers had transformed, and Percival’s heart sank at the sight of her bare fingertips
Trembling fingertips caressed the dried bloodstains on the page, revealing a near-death level of despair on Percival’s face. He always had an excellent memory and recalling the date at the top of the diary page, he remembered it was the day Eulalia was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer after returning from the hospital.Her face was pale, and he remembered scolding her that day. Why didn’t she answer his calls? Why did she return so late, looking as pale as a ghost? He was oblivious to everything happening to Eulalia, his mind solely occupied with Evadne, who was hospitalized.That day, he forcefully drew 600 milliliters of blood from Eulalia’s hand, dragging her to the hospital to give a blood transfusion to Evadne, not knowing about her cancer diagnosis.The man known for his calm and restrained demeanor could no longer bear the internal agony, clutching the notebook to his forehead, he broke down in tears. The diary, spanning 102 pages, every word, every sentence, was about hi
#Barry AnimalAbuse#This trending topic suddenly appeared at the top of social media.Barry rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was hallucinating from stress or if there was an issue with her phone. Hadn't Evette just told her on the call that #Eulalia AnimalAbuse# was trending? Why was she seeing something different?Barry's heart pounded, and a growing sense of unease filled her. She carefully opened her eyes again and looked at her phone. Nothing had changed from what she saw earlier, except the trending topic kept rising in popularity.Barry's face went pale, and her breath grew cold. Though autumn hadn't arrived yet, she felt a winter chill. The air entering her nose felt like icy vapor, freezing her heart. The cold sensation spread down her spine.How could this be happening?Why was it completely different from what Evette had said?Didn't Evette say Eulalia was trending? Why was she herself the top trend instead?Though animal abuse wasn't technically illegal, and what's done wa
Victor's large, warm hands enveloped Eulalia's cold ones completely.Victor was the golden boy, a perfect specimen in the entertainment world. This perfection wasn't just about his looks, but also his voice and his very soul.They say that pretty faces are a dime a dozen, while fascinating souls are one in a million. Victor had both.Those who knew him well were aware of his quirks - he could be a total dork sometimes, clueless about romance despite being overly narcissistic. His face would betray his Evettery emotion, and his ears would wiggle when he got cocky. For all his self-admiration, he'd turn beet red whenEvetter his crush was near.With Eulalia, he was gentle, wanting to get close but afraid of scaring her off. When she was in trouble, he stood firmly by her side, even if she didn't spare him a glance.Victor's affection for Eulalia was obvious, but his approach was cautious.Eulalia watched his lips move, his soft voice reaching her ears like a gentle breeze, slowly soothin
Eulalia gently stroked the singed fur of the ragdoll cat, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably. Her gray eyes were filled with moisture, stinging painfully.Her eyes were either unable to cry or unable to stop once they started. Now they seemed almost blind with grief. She tilted her head back, veins bulging in her neck, mouth slightly open and eyes tightly shut as she let out a hoarse, anguished cry.Her choked, raspy voice was broken, like a rusty knife scraping against a whetstone - so harsh and painful to hear that it made one's heart clench.Victor's eyes were red too, but he turned away silently. He couldn't show any weakness, afraid he wouldn't be able to support Eulalia if he did.Kneeling on the ground, Eulalia slowly scattered dirt over Misty's body, burying her until she was no longer visible. Eulalia's thin frame shook violently, her fragmented sobs growing from quiet to loud as her grief reached its peak.Eulalia had never imagined she could feel heartbreak like t
As much as she wanted to block out the world, cruel voices kept invading Eulalia's ears. Misty wasn't just a cat; she had saved Eulalia's life. They had promised to be together forever. Misty was family, a lifeline in her darkest moments, a light in the shadows.Eulalia's voice was hoarse, her tear-choked words barely intelligible as she called out "Misty" over and over. The pain in her chest was unbearable, desperately needing something to fill the void. Her grip on Victor's shirt loosened as she clutched Misty's collar tightly to her heart."Eulalia," Victor whispered. The girl in his arms was ice-cold, shivering uncontrollably. Her anguished sobs had faded to quiet whimpers.Even after crying her heart out, Eulalia wasn't feeling any better. Her veins were bulging, her temples throbbing. Her body alternated between freezing shivers and feverish heat, her back burning and itching.Victor's heart clenched. He opened his mouth, but no words of comfort came out.Kneeling down, Victor g
Eulalia's hands trembled as she reached out to touch Misty's wounded body. Her hands came away bloody. Ropes had cut deeply into Misty's limbs, and blood covered the cat's body, tail, paws, and head."Misty..." Eulalia's eyes were terrifyingly red, dry from the intensity of her grief. The pain was so extreme she couldn't even cry.In a daze, Eulalia somehow managed to untie the ropes binding Misty. All she could see were the burn wounds on Misty's skin and the blood oozing from four small punctures in the cat's mouth. Misty's sharpest fangs had been viciously pulled out. How much agony had Misty endured?"Misty, I'm here now. Look at me. Didn't we promise to always be together?" Eulalia's body shook as she cradled the bloodied cat. "I'll cancel all my work... I'll stay by your side from now on. I'll never leave you with anyone else again. Please, just hang on a little longer..."Misty lay in Eulalia's arms, struggling to open her eyes at the sound of Eulalia's voice.It's Eulalia... E
Barry noticed the collar around the cat's neck and tried to cut it off with a knife, but it wouldn't budge. Frustrated, she gave up—she couldn’t waste time on a collar.Gripping the cat's jaw, she forced its mouth open, grabbing its sharp teeth with pliers. "You want to bite me? I’ll pull out every last tooth and see if you try that again."Misty trembled, lying helpless on the ground, bound and unable to move. After all, it was just a cat—no way to beg for mercy.Barry's eyes darkened, and with a sharp tug, a sickening crack rang out, like bones being torn from flesh. Misty's scream filled the air."Meow..." Blood spilled from the cat's mouth, staining its once-pristine fur. Misty lay there, defeated, and in that moment, all it could think about was Eulalia."I just wanted to spend more time with you... I wanted to see you again…"...After dinner, Eulalia was told to get ready for the next scene. She glanced at the door, feeling uneasy—Jane hadn't returned yet. Eulalia called her, a
Eulalia took the phone Jane handed her and attached the tracking device to Misty’s collar. “Misty's well-behaved; she won't run off.” “I know, but just in case… too many people dislike me. If they can’t get to me, they might target Misty. A tracker at least adds some safety.” Eulalia focused on the device, missing the brief flicker in Jane’s expression. Jane pressed her lips together, hesitating like she wanted to say something, but held back. “All done,” Eulalia returned the phone, noticing Jane still looked tense. She ruffled her hair. “If something’s on your mind, tell me, don’t bottle it up.” “I…” Jane started, then glanced at Misty in her arms, “I’m fine, really.” “Alright, if you say so.” Eulalia could sense something off, but couldn’t quite place it. Maybe Jane had issues at home these past few days. It wasn’t her place to pry if Jane didn’t want to talk.Just then, Reid called, telling Eulalia to get ready for her scenes. The day was packed with her shoot, and wrap
Percival’s heart felt like it was being pierced by a thousand arrows at the thought of Eulalia in bed with Victor. It was only 1 a.m. when he glanced at the clock, and he reached under his pillow for the wedding photo of him and Eulalia. In the picture, she smiled cautiously, her dimples soft, eyes gentle. The photo wasn’t big, but he pressed it to his chest alongside the well-worn journal he often read, then lay back down.That night, he didn’t dream. But when he woke, his eyes were damp, his face sticky with tears that left his skin stinging.As a cancer patient, Percival's body was weak, and he often caught colds easily. The open window and a night of cold wind, combined with the emotional breakdown after seeing the picture Victor posted, left him feverish.The housekeeper was the first to notice and rushed to inform Mr. Lee, who promptly called for a doctor. The doctor came, measured Percival's temperature, and set up an IV. But as the doctor tried to insert the needle, he noticed
Eulalia had never seen a post about herself deleted so quickly before.She sat cradling Misty in one arm, absently fingering the tag on the cat's collar. After a few minutes, her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:"Eulalia, I don't want you as a replacement anymore. Stay by my side and I can protect you. Percival is ruthless - if you want a better life, stay far away from that madman."Eulalia frowned as she read the message. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard to reply "Go to hell," but she thought better of it and deleted the draft. There was nothing worth saying to someone like Trent. She blocked the number and set up a custom auto-reply instead.Meanwhile, Trent was anxiously awaiting Eulalia's response. He thought he had made himself clear - surely the small-town girl would get the hint. But after half an hour of silence, doubt crept in. Had she not seen the message? Or was she too afraid to reply?He sent another text:"If you come back to me obediently, I'm will