Life in the Cellar

I was in a damp, pitch-black cellar, hunched in a corner with my injured leg behind me. The walls were slimy and wet, and the moisture soaked through my blouse.The door swung open, and a burst of light stung my eyes. I lifted my hand to block it. I heard footsteps and quickly shrank back, hiding deeper in the shadows."Mr. Carver sent me to get you, Mrs. Carver."I looked up to see who it was. It was the bodyguard Henry had hired years ago.I dropped my gaze and said, "Okay."I struggled to get to my feet and stumbled a few shaky steps, limping badly.The bodyguard looked shocked. "What happened to your leg, Mrs. Carver?"I clutched the seam of my pants and looked down. "A cabinet fell on it earlier. It might be broken."He stared at me, eyes wide. "Why didn't you tell Mr. Carver?"I didn't answer him. Instead, I let out a dry laugh.What was I supposed to tell Henry Carver? Would he have let me go for treatment if I asked? Or would he have called a doctor for me?"I'll hel

The bodyguard dropped me off at the villa and took off.I noticed him entering the code while he was unlocking the door. It wasn't the old password anymore—it was Joanna's birthday.I limped inside and glanced around. It looked the same as it did three years ago, but it felt totally different.A pair of men's and women's slippers sat by the entrance. They must have been Henry's and Joanna's.Henry's bedroom had two pillows on the bed. His clothes were neatly arranged on the left side of the closet, while Joanna's occupied the right. In the bathroom, I saw two toothbrushes and two rinsing cups next to a bunch of women's lotions and creams. It was obvious that Henry and Joanna had been sharing a bed for quite some time.I shut the door behind me and stepped out of the room that was no longer mine. Then, I saw two people locked in a deep, breathless kiss under the dim moonlight.I switched on the living room light.Joanna's cheeks were flushed, and she looked shocked. Henry insti

As soon as Henry saw my pinky bent in a weird way, his face went serious, and he walked over."I had no idea!" he insisted.He had no idea? How could that be? Those voices I heard every time I got beaten up were always his."What the heck is going on?" Henry demanded, grabbing my hand before I could lower it down.I could see the disbelief in his eyes, but I still brushed his hand away. I pursed my lips and shot him a look. "It doesn't matter anymore whether this has anything to do with you. I'm already a cripple, Henry."The truth didn't matter anymore—whether Henry had told them to beat me up. It all felt pointless now. After all, he was the one who tricked me into that cellar.If it hadn't been for him pushing his so-called "husband duties" on me or punishing me just for having an opinion about Joanna, I wouldn't be in this mess."I don't want anything. Take the company. I'll walk away with nothing. Just tell me where my parents are buried. I'll have someone handle the paperw

I got in touch with a friend from IT to help me get around the security. Since there was already one video, I figured there were probably more.I wasn't shocked that Henry found me. I'd always kept my circle small and had introduced him to all my closest friends.I was staying in one of the houses registered under Eva's name. As I headed downstairs to go to the hospital for my follow-up, I ran into Henry. His eyes flashed with a mix of excitement and irritation."Sabrina, you never respond to my messages. I thought you were gone for good!" Henry said.I ignored him and tried to walk past, but he grabbed my arm."How much longer are you going to keep this up? I told you I'm not divorcing you. What else do you want from me? Is Joan being around that much of a problem for you?"Fine, fine. I'll find her a new place and have her move out. Will that make you happy? Can you stop causing a scene?" Henry questioned.I didn't see this coming. I'd been so set on divorcing him, but in his

I couldn't remember the last time I actually slept. My nights were full of insomnia and vivid dreams, and getting any rest seemed impossible.I leaned back in the recliner with my eyes closed, and before I knew it, I was back in that dark cellar. Those filthy, degrading insults flooded my ears."Ms. Johnson? Ms. Johnson?"My eyes flew open, and there was Julian's face. He looked calm and collected, though there was a crease forming between his brows."It's worse than I imagined. But that's okay. We'll make it through as long as you trust me!" he said.I took the glass of water he offered me. "Thanks.""No problem. We've met before, actually."I looked up at him, startled.He blinked and seemed to think for a moment. "We've met when we were kids. I knew your parents. I'm really sorry for what happened to them."I racked my brain but couldn't remember him at all.Julian seemed to notice and offered a gentle smile. "You used to always drag me into playing with your fashion dolls