3#03

3

Witnessing the girl's tears, he felt an overwhelming ache in his chest.

"I don't think she wants any presents. This anniversary isn't a good idea!"

"You're right, let's just forget about it," I concurred, adding my own thoughts.

He knew I used to cherish these special dates the most.

But my willingness to let it go seemed to catch him off guard.

He appeared irritated, as if my indifference had insulted him. He grabbed a nearby mug and hurled it at me.

Winter yelped, leaped up and toppled the mug. It crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.

Startled by the dog's sudden movement, Zevanka stepped on the broken shards with her bare feet.

A piercing shriek cut through the night air.

Blood covered the bedroom floor. She continued to wail in agony, her sobs unceasing.

"Jessica!"

Cornelius' eyes were inflamed, his furious gaze shifting from me to Winter.

That look seemed to promise violence against us both.

A sense of dread washed over me as I rushed to embrace Winter, but Cornelius was quicker.

He seized the dog with one hand, his intent clearly malicious.

"This mutt is just like its owner, both have a death wish."

"Cornelius, release it!"

I tugged at his arm, trying to reach the dog, but he towered over me, keeping it out of my grasp even as I jumped.

"Please, I'm begging you, don't hurt it."

I pleaded through my tears.

During countless lonely nights without Cornelius, and times when I grieved over him, Winter had been my constant companion.

In Cornelius' grip, Winter's barks turned to whimpers as it was choked.

I watched helplessly as its life seemed to ebb away.

With a cold sneer, Cornelius slammed the dog onto the ground.

Winter's body was impaled by various glass fragments. It convulsed and emitted faint whines.

Trembling, I rushed to cradle Winter in my arms.

"Winter..."

I tried to speak to it, but it could only gasp for air.

Before I could take it to a vet, the puppy died in my embrace.

I glared at Cornelius with rage, but his expression remained unfazed.

The incident seemed to cause him no remorse.

My anguish appeared to excite him further.

In that moment, I realized he didn't resemble Killian as much as I'd thought. Killian had a distinctive mole by his eye.

This man did not.

I quieted down and said nothing more. I carried Winter back to my room.

The sounds of laughter and conversation from outside my door grated on my nerves, while the lifeless body in my arms felt like daggers in my heart, making it hard to breathe.

Cornelius, you truly lack any compassion.

"Ma'am, we're from the pet crematorium. We can't access your community. Could you meet us at the gate?"

"I'll be right there to escort you in."

After ending the call, I put on a coat and headed for the exit.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Cornelius intercepted me at the door.

"Jessica, if you walk out now, don't even think about coming back!"