Chapter 5
A “formality“?
I laughed bitterly to myself,
They had nearly kissed, and now they were lying together in my bed.
This was no formality.
It was real.
wedding day arrived with grandeur.
Evan Carter spared no expense, inviting friends, family, and even business moguls.
Reporters flocked to the venue, eager to cover the spectacle.
While whispers and judgments rippled through the crowd, Evan held Lila’s hand tightly, offering her soft reassurances.
“No matter what anyone says, I’ll always protect you.”
“With you by my side, I feel safe,” Lila responded, a radiant smile lighting up her face.
Her smug expression made my insides churn with helpless anger.
I could only watch, powerless, as the ceremony unfolded.
When the officiant called for the exchange of rings, a deliveryman suddenly burst into the hall, clutching a large box.
“Mr. Carter,” he called, “A special gift from Ms. Ava Bennett!”
Leaving the box, he hurried out without waiting for a response.
The Too
fell silent, every guest’s eyes glued to the package.
Though I couldn’t touch it, I knew what was inside.
Ifcanned the crowd and spotted him–the Rainy Night Butcher.
Dressed in janitorial coveralls, orange gloves, and a cap that shadowed his face, his chilling gaze met mine. His hunched stance was unmistakable.
I screamed, trying to warn them, but my voice was swallowed by the void of my ghostly existence. No one could hear me.
“Ava must be furious,” Lila whispered, feigning worry.
“Let’s see what kind of stunt she’s pulling now,” Evan grumbled, scowling as he tore the box open.
The moment he lifted the lid, two bloodied severed hands fell into view.
Gasps and screams erupted throughout the room.
Evan staggered back, his face pale.
Lila shrieked, clutching his arm for support.
“What’s going on? Who sends dismembered hands as a gift?” someone cried.
“Oh my God, could it be Ava and Chloe?” a guest whispered, panic spreading through the crowd.
Evan steadied himself, shaking his head.
“Don’t jump to conclusions. This is just another one of Ava’s games.”
12:17
ས
Butchered by Love
Chapter S
I felt a wave of disbelief crash over me
Even now, with the evidence literally in front of him, Evan refused to acknowledge reality.
What a husband.
“Aval Chloe! My daughter! My granddaughter!”
My mother’s anguished cry cut through the chaos.
She rushed into the room, falling to her knees in front of the severed hands.
Her sobs were uncontrollable.
mom had been at the venue for hours but was blocked by security under Evan’s orders.
She only managed to sneak in amidst the commotion.
She instantly recognized the hands as mine and Chloe’s.
“Mom!” Evan snapped.
You’re making a scene. There’s no way this is Ava and Chloe.”
“Are you blind?” she screamed, pointing at the ring on one of the hands.
“You don’t even recognize the wedding ring you gave Ava?”
