1#01

1

The evening prior to my wedding anniversary, I was stunned by a threatening email demanding a substantial sum of money.

The footage, captured by a concealed camera in a hotel room during Cornelius Lynch's business trip, revealed intimate encounters.

"My spouse is so traditional, restricting my actions. It's stifling," he complained.

For three consecutive nights, he was with different women, each bearing a striking resemblance to his childhood flame, Zevanka Collins.

The explicit nature and scale of the recordings left me speechless and numb.

[I refuse to pay. If you intend to spread it, do so quickly.]

[Should you fail to release it by 5 pm tomorrow, I'll do it myself.]

——

After dispatching these messages, the blackmailer went silent.

I downloaded all the videos and forwarded them to Serena Kenneth, our company's PR manager, instructing her to release them at 5 pm the next day.

"Blast it, Cornelius is such a scoundrel!"

The vulgar conversations in the recordings were unbearable.

"Perhaps we should consider a different man?"

"We've recently hired someone who closely resembles Cornelius. Would you like to meet him?"

"According to meteorologists, this Friday will feature the year's final supermoon. Citizens are encouraged to visit prime viewing locations..."

The radio announcer's soothing voice contrasted with my trembling hands on the phone.

A decade ago, the supermoon brought me to this unfamiliar time.

Could this be a divine sign urging me to depart?

"No, there might come a day when I'm no longer in this world."

"Let's schedule the new hire's contract signing for that day. Afterward, I'll need you to monitor the situation closely."

My colleague asked a few puzzled questions, but I ended the call abruptly.

I glanced at the bright yellow package on the passenger seat, containing Cornelius' most desired gift this year.

An exquisite timepiece worth a fortune.

I had worked tirelessly to acquire it as an anniversary present.

Now, it seemed pointless.

I no longer wanted anything from this world.

My spirits plummeted. I grabbed the gift box and tossed it into the back seat.

I arrived home, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Upon entering, I heard water running in the bathroom.

The intertwined figures visible through the transparent shower door told me everything.

Zevanka was here again.

Since her return, she'd frequently stayed overnight, claiming to be locked out of her home.

A single call or text from her, and Cornelius would overcome any obstacle to fetch her.

He always insisted Zevanka was like a sister, raised alongside him, orphaned and deserving of pity.

He claimed her aunt and uncle had entrusted him with her care.

Over time, I'd come to accept this explanation.

Whenever Zevanka needed something and Cornelius was unavailable, I would step in.

Gradually, I transitioned from being Cornelius' wife to their shared assistant.

But for Cornelius' sake, I endured it.

"You're just getting home? Zevanka and I have already bathed. Quickly prepare her bed."

"Remember, she prefers Tencel cotton sheets. Don't mess it up this time."

The impatient voice broke my reverie. I stood at the doorway, observing Cornelius and Zevanka.

Cornelius was bare-chested, sporting vivid red marks on his neck, his wet hair still dripping.

Zevanka, nestled in his arms, had flushed cheeks and soft, almond-shaped eyes.

"Thanks, Jessica. I'm feeling under the weather today, so could you please make me some ginger tea with brown sugar?"

"Just let it cool before bringing it to my room."

I looked at her without responding.

Winter, our dog, licked my pant leg and barked a few times.