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

Lora felt helpless in her quest to save Patrick's life. While searching online, she stumbled upon a suggestion that making a sincere wish at a temple might help. This idea ignited a small flame of hope within her.


With nothing left to lose and her heart full of genuine intention, Lora discovered a temple praised by internet users. It was situated on a distant mountain, accessible only by climbing over 5,000 steps.


Without delay, Lora embarked on her journey. As she reached the mountain's base, rain began to fall heavily, but she couldn't afford to stop. Patrick remained in the hospital, his temperature stubbornly elevated.


She ascended the steps one by one, each movement accompanied by earnest prayers. She prostrated herself more than 5,000 times, frequently slipping and falling. Her forehead became swollen, red, and bloodied.


Astonishingly, upon Lora's return to the hospital after descending the mountain, the physician informed her that Patrick's fever had subsided.


Chapter 7