Chapter 1 ~ Back to the Past
923 Words
"What did you do to my father, Arsen? What is the meaning of all this?" Ivana couldn't hold back her urge to ask the question that had been bothering her mind.
Arsen still displayed a cold, piercing gaze that sent shivers down Ivana’s spine, making her feel both terrified and pressured.
"I only did what I had to do, Ivana," Arsen replied, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Hah?" Ivana was completely unsatisfied with her husband's answer. "Move! I need to see my father!" Ivana tried to push past him to get out of there, but Arsen grabbed her wrist, making her wince in pain.
"Let go of me! Let me go, Arsen! You're hurting me!" Ivana screamed, but Arsen pushed her against the wall, her back slamming hard against it.
"Ah, I guess this is the first time I've hurt you in the three years we've been married, Ivana," Arsen said nonchalantly.
"W-who are you, really?" Ivana stammered as she stared into the eyes before her, unable to recognize the man she had once known.
"I am Arsenio, your husband, Ivana."
"Why? Why are you doing this, Arsen? Don't you love me?" Ivana's voice cracked as tears streamed down her face, her heart aching at the sight of the man she loved.
"Love?" Arsen scoffed. "You are too naive, Ivana. You’ve turned a blind eye to everything your father has done all this time."
"D-do you really have to go this far? My father has always treated you with love and kindness," Ivana argued.
"Tch, I told you not to be naive, Ivana. Because of your father, my life turned into this! Do you have any idea how he ruined me? While you lived in luxury and indulged in a life of pleasure, that wealth was built on the destruction of others!"
Thud!
Ivana's eyes widened, and her lips trembled. "W-what do you mean?"
"All of this is because of your father and your family, Ivana!" Arsen’s gaze grew even more terrifying. His sharp, red-tinged eyes were filled with rage and deep-seated resentment.
Ivana was left speechless, her body shaking as she looked at Arsen in fear. He closed his eyes briefly, attempting to calm himself, before shoving Ivana aside. She fell to the floor, her temple hitting the edge of a table, causing a small wound.
"Don’t even think about leaving this place if you want to stay alive!" Arsen spat his threat before walking away, leaving Ivana frozen in shock. Her mind slowed, unable to process anything beyond the chills running down her spine. Tears streamed down her face as she sat there, completely overwhelmed by everything that had happened.
Moments later, Ivana heard the roar of an engine as Arsen's car sped away from the house. She wiped her tears, slowly standing up, and gazed out the window, watching as he disappeared into the distance.
Feeling drained and lost amidst the chaos, Ivana stumbled toward the bed before collapsing onto the floor, her entire body trembling. Everything had happened so suddenly and so violently. In a blink of an eye, her family’s company shares had plummeted, news of an impending acquisition surfaced, and an internal traitor had leaked confidential company information. And as if that weren’t enough, Arsen had shown up, a completely different man from the one she had known.
"W-what is really going on? Why is Arsen doing this?" Ivana whispered to herself, replaying every interaction she had ever had with her husband. Up until now, nothing had ever seemed suspicious. Arsen had always been gentle and warm toward her. Yet today, he had revealed a side of himself she had never seen before.
Ivana sat motionless on the edge of the bed, hugging her knees tightly. Her mind raced with endless questions, her tears never ceasing. She was terrified for her father, dreading what Arsen might do to him.
As the night grew deeper, Ivana still couldn't sleep. The eerie silence in the house only heightened her unease. Driven by curiosity, she cautiously approached the door and turned the knob. To her surprise, it was unlocked. She quickly opened the door and peered outside, finding the hallway eerily empty. Taking slow, careful steps, she ventured forward.
Eventually, she reached a room with its door slightly ajar. Overcome with curiosity, she stepped inside and flicked on the light switch. Her breath hitched at the sight before her—a room filled with television screens and countless photographs plastered over glass panels. There were pictures of her father, mother, uncle, and even herself. One screen, paused on a video, caught her attention. She hesitated before pressing the play button, only to watch in horror as a recording showed her uncle being murdered a month ago.
"A-Arsen!" Ivana gasped, covering her mouth in shock.
Staggering backward in fear, her back suddenly hit something solid. Hesitantly, she turned around and froze—a tall figure stood before her, partially obscured by a black hat that shadowed his face. Before she could react, a sharp pain seared through her chest.
"Ugh!"
Blood dripped onto the floor, growing into a pool as Ivana's body collapsed. The pain was excruciating, her vision growing hazy. With the last of her strength, she lifted her gaze to the figure standing before her.
"Arsen...?"
***
Ivana’s eyes snapped open as she gasped for breath. Her entire body jolted upright, sending a sharp pain through her head.
"Ugh!" she groaned, clutching her temple.
"Darling, you're awake?" A familiar voice made her turn her head.
"Arsen?"
Degh!
***
- Writer
