2#02

2

"Eek!"

"Cornelius, I'm terrified."

Zevanka yelped and leapt onto the half-clothed Cornelius.

Her slender, pale legs contrasted sharply with his large, veiny hands.

The man's attractive face twisted with irritation as he glared at me.

"I warned you about keeping a dog. Its barking is a nuisance."

With that, he swung his foot, striking Winter forcefully.

I scooped up the puppy just as he kicked it, biting my lip and remaining silent.

He scoffed. "You're so protective of that mutt. One of these days, I'll turn it into a meal!"

When Cornelius and I first met, we got Winter on my birthday.

He called it our little bundle of joy.

Now, he constantly threatens to end its life.

He turned and entered the bedroom with Zevanka. His silhouette reminded me of someone else.

My late husband Killian Schroeder, who perished in combat.

Upon learning of Killian's demise, I attempted to hang myself.

Unexpectedly, I found myself in the present day, where I encountered Cornelius. I firmly believed he was Killian reincarnated.

So I poured my heart and soul into supporting his endeavors.

I even chose to stay in this era for him.

But now I realized that beyond his appearance, he was nothing like Killian.

Though reluctant to admit it, the most glaring difference was his lack of love for me.

I cradled Winter, sniffling. "Winter, we might need to leave ...."

The puppy in my arms seemed to sense my distress, gazing at me with watery eyes.

"Jessica, get in here and make the bed for us!"

Ignoring Cornelius' angry shout, I shut the door with the puppy in tow.

Recalling the super moon forecast I'd heard in the car, I glanced at the gloomy sky.

Suddenly, rain began to pour.

Loud banging came from outside the door.

"You're really pushing it, Jessica."

"How dare you slam the door? Do you want to spend your anniversary alone tomorrow and be mocked?"

Cornelius continued yelling outside.

"It's okay, Cornelius. She might be upset, I can do it myself ...."

Zevanka's soft voice chimed in, punctuated by periodic coughs, as if she might faint from the effort.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

Zevanka always looked sickly. She was constantly complaining of ailments, desperate to cling to Cornelius.

I sat in my room, leafing through my paintings of Killian from over the years.

Some showed him on horseback in military attire, others depicted him standing outside our home, or exuding authority in formal wear.

The door lock clicked softly, and Cornelius appeared, his face dark with anger.

"What's gotten into you today?"

"Don't you usually handle these tasks?"

I met his gaze as his eyes narrowed, feeling a chill run through me.

What was once done out of love now seemed cheap and expected in his eyes.

"Well, I don't feel like it today."

It was my first time talking back to him. I'd always been compliant before.

He stared at me, his eyes wide with shock, rendered speechless.

Zevanka, barefoot in the hallway, entered weeping and tugged at his clothes.

"Cornelius, let it go. I can manage on my own."

"Jessica, please don't quarrel with him because of me."

"Tomorrow's your anniversary. He's reserved a special place to celebrate with you! He even bought you a present ...."