"CRAVING FOR HER INNOCENCE"

CHAPTER:3 The Fragile Illusion✨

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The night was suffocating. Outside, the wind howled like a wounded animal, but inside the mansion, the silence was even louder. Mary lay curled on her small bed, her stomach churning with the hollow ache of hunger. It had been two days since she had tasted a proper meal. That woman—the one who occupied her mother’s place but never her heart—had punished her again.

"Just sleep, Mary," she whispered to herself, her voice cracking. "If you sleep, you won't feel the hunger."

Suddenly, the air in the room shifted. A heavy shadow fell across her bed. Before she could scream, a large, calloused hand clamped over her mouth.

Terror, cold and sharp, pierced her heart. In the darkness, she could only see the silhouette of a man hovering over her.

Her instincts took over. Using the last ounce of her strength, Mary bit down—hard. She felt the skin break, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth.

The man hissed and pulled back. Mary scrambled to the corner of the bed, her eyes wide like a hunted deer.

Click.

The bedside lamp flickered on. The harsh light revealed a face that Mary knew better than her own. Kai. Her heart did a somersault. The fear vanished, replaced by a wave of guilt and relief. Kai was the son of her mother’s dearest friend, the boy she had grown up with, the man who had promised to take her away from this hell. He was her fiancé, her only anchor in a stormy sea.

"Kai! Oh God, I’m so sorry," she gasped, her hands shaking. "I thought... I thought someone had broken in."

Kai looked at his bleeding hand, a strange, unreadable glint in his eyes. But then, he smoothed his expression into one of gentle concern. He stepped closer and sat on the edge of her bed.

"It’s alright, Mary. I shouldn't have snuck in," he murmured, his voice like velvet. He reached out and touched her hair, his fingers lingering a second too long. "But I couldn't sleep without seeing you. We’re getting married soon... and you still shy away from me like a stranger? You know I love you more than anything."

Mary looked down, her cheeks flushing. She loved him, but a strange instinct always made her maintain a distance. To her, love was a sacred promise, not a physical transaction. She wanted to wait until their wedding night to give him everything.

"I just... I want it to be special, Kai. After the wedding," she whispered.

Kai’s jaw tightened for a fraction of a second, but he forced a smile. "Fine. Whatever makes my beautiful bride happy. Besides, your birthday is coming up. I have a very... special surprise waiting for you then."

He stood up, gave her a lingering look, and walked out. As the door closed, Mary felt a surge of hope. She picked up the framed photo of her parents from the nightstand, pressing it to her chest.

"Did you see, Mom? Papa? Kai is my miracle. He’s the only one who truly loves me," she sobbed quietly, finally feeling safe enough to close her eyes.

The Serpent’s Den

Kai didn't leave the mansion. Instead, he wiped the blood from his hand with a handkerchief, his face twisting into a sneer of disgust. He walked down the dimly lit corridor, his footsteps silent on the expensive carpet.

He didn't go toward the exit. He went to the room at the far end of the wing—the room belonging to Siya, Mary’s step-sister.

Inside, the room was a blur of red lights and expensive leather. Siya was loungeing on a velvet sofa, wearing a sheer black nighty that left nothing to the imagination. She held a glass of dark whiskey in one hand and a thin cigarette in the other, a cloud of smoke swirling around her like a dark halo.

"Welcome back, Jiju," she purred, her voice dripping with mockery. "Did the 'Virgin Queen' give you her blessing?"

Kai walked over and pulled her into his arms, his hands possessively gripping her waist. He leaned down, inhaling the scent of her perfume. "She’s as cold as a grave, Siya. It’s exhausting playing the 'loving fiancé' to a girl who won't even let me touch her hand."

Siya let out a sharp, jagged laugh, her fingers tracing the buttons of his shirt. "So, the reunion was a flop? Poor Mary. She thinks you’re her knight in shining armor."

Kai smirked, his eyes turning lethal. "Let her think that. She’s our last hope to clear the family debts. Once I have her inheritance, she can go back to being the 'ghost' of this house. Or better yet... we’ll find someone who pays a high price for 'innocence' like hers."

Siya smiled, leaning in to kiss him. "You’re a devil, Kai. I love that about you. I almost feel bad for my 'dear' sister... but not really."

The Final Blow

The next morning, the sun was cold. Mary dragged herself to the kitchen, her body weak from lack of sleep and food. She prepared a tray of tea and fresh water, her hands trembling as she made her way to the master study.

She knocked softly. No answer. She pushed the door open.

Her father was sitting in his high-backed leather chair, his back to her. A violent, rattling cough echoed through the room. Mary’s heart ached for him. Despite how much he ignored her, he was still her father.

"Papa... please, have some water," she said softly, walking toward him.

As she reached out to place the glass on the table, her father suddenly turned. The moment his eyes landed on her, they filled with a terrifying, primal hatred.

"GET OUT!" he roared, swinging his arm with brutal force.

CRASH!

The glass shattered against the floor. A jagged shard flew up, slicing across Mary’s palm. She gasped, looking at the blood blooming on her skin, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the look in his eyes.

"How many times do I have to tell you?" he hissed, his face contorted in rage. "I told you to stay out of my sight! Every time I look at you, I see your mother! I hate that face! I HATE YOU!"

Mary’s world tilted. She didn't cry out. She didn't defend herself. She simply turned and ran, her feet crunching over the glass shards, leaving a trail of blood behind her.

As she fled, the man stood by the window, his reflection staring back at him—the same face that sat in a happy frame on Mary’s bedside table. He wasn't her hero. He was her greatest nightmare.

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"My heart shatters for Mary in this chapter. To be betrayed by the man you love and hated by the man who gave you life... how much more can one soul take? But don't lose hope just yet. The darkness is about to meet its Master."

Are you ready for the Storm? Chapter 4 is coming soon! Don't forget to Add to Library and leave your thoughts in the comments!

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