ManyWriters

In London, everyone's aware of Patrick McGrath's deep devotion to his spouse, treating her as his everything.
Behind closed doors, however, he keeps an 18-year-old around, claiming she's a mirror of his wife from years past. He maintains it's just his way of holding onto true love's essence.
He's even decreed that no one should mention anything that might distress his wife.
One day, elated about her pregnancy, she hurried to his workplace to share the news. To her shock, there was the young girl, bearing an uncanny likeness to her, perched on Patrick's lap, offering him wine directly from her mouth.
The girl turned to Patrick and inquired, "Am I merely her stand-in?"
Patrick pulled her close and responded, "You're incomparable to her."
That very day, his wife scheduled an abortion and reached out to her aunt living overseas.
"Aunt, I've reached a decision. I'm moving to New Zealand."

A Wife's Twisted Awakening

Patrick's rage boiled over as he witnessed his beloved Lora being wronged. In that instant, all reason seemed to evaporate. He momentarily forgot that Lora's strong character would never allow her to stoop to insulting others.


Acting on impulse, he hurried to Christy's home. When Christy heard the commotion outside, she assumed Patrick had returned, unable to stay away from her.


Still clad in her purple nightwear, she rushed to him, embracing him tightly.


"Uncle, I knew you'd come back! Kiss me, uncle. I adore you!"


But as she leaned in to kiss him, she halted, startled by Patrick's intense glare.


"Uncle, why are you looking at me that way? You're frightening me!"


Without a word, Patrick shoved her away forcefully.


"Do you realize what you've done? I cautioned you—Lora is off-limits. I told you not to antagonize her!"


"You're so foolish! I wish I could choke you right now!"


His expression was menacing, his anger palpable, as if he truly meant to harm her.


Chapter 8