CHAPTER 6
605 Words
The Anniversary That Shouldn’t Exist
Lucy stood frozen in front of the mirror, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
The dress she wore was not hers.
It was white. A wedding gown.
The lace sleeves clung to her arms like spiderwebs, delicate yet suffocating. The fabric was eerily familiar as if it had been tailored specifically for her.
But she knew the truth.
It had belonged to Eleanor.
And today, Ray was forcing her to wear it.
Because today was their wedding anniversary.
An anniversary that should never exist.
The Twisted Celebration
Ray entered the room, his piercing blue eyes sweeping over her like a predator admiring his prize.
“You look stunning, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice deceptively soft.
Lucy’s stomach churned.
“I don’t understand,” she whispered. “We’re already married. Why are you doing this?”
Ray stepped closer, lifting a strand of her dark hair and tucking it behind her ear.
“Because this time,” he said, his voice chillingly smooth, “I want you to mean it.”
Lucy swallowed hard. She had to be careful. The bruises on her wrist from last night’s failed escape attempt still ached.
Ray wasn’t just playing games anymore.
He was recreating something.
And she was his unwilling actress.
A Ghost’s Warning
As Ray escorted her down the grand staircase, the massive chandelier above them casting shadows along the walls, Lucy caught sight of someone in the crowd.
An old maid, standing near the far entrance.
She was watching Lucy intently.
Then, ever so subtly, she lifted her hand and traced a single letter into the air.
"R."
Lucy’s heart lurched.
She tried to keep walking, but her mind raced.
Was the woman warning her? Or was she telling her something about Ray?
A chill ran down her spine.
She needed to find out.
But first, she had to survive this night.
The Dance of the Damned
The ballroom was filled with guests—businessmen, socialites, investors. They clapped as Ray led her to the center.
Lucy felt trapped inside a nightmare.
As Ray pulled her into a dance, she felt his fingers tighten around her waist
“Do you know why I chose this dress?” he whispered against her ear.
Lucy bit her lip. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of an answer.
Ray chuckled.
“It was Eleanor’s favorite.”
Lucy stiffened.
Ray’s grip on her tightened.
“I had it altered for you,” he continued, his tone almost affectionate. “But I didn’t have to change much. You’re already… perfect.”
Lucy’s stomach twisted.
He wasn’t just obsessed.
He was replacing her.
The Room That Should Never Open
That night, Lucy couldn’t sleep.
The anniversary had ended, but the horror remained.
She needed answers.
She needed to see the old maid again.
And she needed to go back to that hidden room.
Carefully, she slipped out of bed and crept down the hallway.
The house was eerily silent.
But when she reached the forbidden door, something was different.
It was already unlocked.
Lucy pushed it open, her breath held tight in her throat.
Inside, the portraits of Eleanor were gone.
The cassette recorder is gone.
But in the center of the room…
A single chair sat beneath the chandelier.
And on it, a wedding veil.
Fresh. Untouched.
Waiting for her.
Then, a voice from behind her cold and amused.
“I was hoping you’d come back here, sweetheart.”
Lucy spun around.
Ray stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
Then, he reached behind him and locked the door.
- Writer
