4#04

4

I detected his enraged voice behind me, and I couldn't help but feel disdain in my heart.

He had been living in my house for years, seemingly forgetting its true ownership. What authority did he have to force me out?

I paid no attention to him and made my way downstairs.

The journey back took a while, given the distance from the community entrance and the pet funeral workers' numerous belongings.

Upon opening the door, I was struck by the scent of cooked meat.

I hurried into the room, but Winter's remains were nowhere to be found.

Instead, I saw Zevanka and Cornelius standing near the kitchen, calling out to me.

"Jessica, Cornelius has prepared some roasted dog meat, come join us!"

I shook as I lifted the grill pan lid, and in that moment, I felt the blood drain from my face.

My stomach turned, causing me to double over and retch.

The funeral staff, taken aback, offered brief words of comfort before excusing themselves and hastily departing.

I raised my hand and struck Zevanka forcefully across the cheek.

"Was this your idea?"

She clutched her reddening face, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I thought you'd left because you didn't want it anymore, and Cornelius mentioned wanting to try dog meat, so I..."

"I already knew Jessica didn't like me, I'll just go..." she said as she rushed out.

Cornelius glared at me, his eyes bloodshot.

"What gives you the right to hit her?"

"Apologize now!"

He seized my wrist and pulled me towards the door.

We were at an impasse. I gazed up at him, my lips pressed tightly together, saying nothing as tears began to fall unexpectedly.

It was the first time I'd cried in his presence.

"Are you crying?"

As his grip on my wrist loosened, he displayed an unusual look of discomfort and guilt.

Throughout our years together, he had grown accustomed to my strong, assertive demeanor.

Perhaps it was my proactive approach towards him that led him to take me for granted.

But now, I no longer needed that.

I no longer needed this substitute standing before me.

I looked down at Zevanka.

"How can you bear to leave?"

"You've always dreamed of sleeping beside Cornelius, haven't you?"

I shoved her aside and walked back to the room without a backward glance.

That night, I found myself tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

For years, I had treated him as if he were Killian, giving him my all, only to end up in this situation.

It was because I didn't truly know him, and because I had allowed myself to become the unappreciated party in our relationship.

If that was the case, tomorrow's anniversary would serve as my parting gift to him!

Suddenly, I heard rapid breathing from behind me.

"Wifey, it was just a dog. You shouldn't have slapped Zevanka today."