That Mysterious Man in My Dream

I was surprised. “Me… me too.”Just like that, Steven ended up giving me a ride.As he turned to fasten my seatbelt, I instinctively raised my hand to cover my face.I did not know why, but I felt a sudden flicker of fear toward him.Steven paused for a moment, then let out a soft laugh. “Are you afraid of me?”I swallowed and shook my head. I wanted to explain, but I did not know how.I lowered my head and turned slightly to the side. When I closed my eyes, a strong sense of familiarity washed over me.It felt like someone was pressing me down in the passenger seat. I was in pain, but the other person paid no attention.I could not remember the rest clearly.I suddenly opened my eyes and breathed quickly. I met Steven’s gaze.I was not sure if it was my imagination, but I thought I saw something else in his eyes. It was quiet and intense, like a hunter watching its prey. Then it disappeared.“Zoe?” Steven’s slightly concerned voice brought me back.“I-I’m fine.” I wiped

It was another absurd dream. I stared at the ceiling, feeling a little embarrassed. I had actually dreamed about being with Steven.My phone buzzed. I checked the message. It was from Steven. He said that I had gotten drunk yesterday and that he had brought me home.Then a second message came. The day after tomorrow was his birthday. He was inviting me to celebrate with him.Of course, I could go. I just did not know what to get him for his birthday.…Before I knew it, Steven’s birthday had arrived. It was also my birthday.I did not feel particularly happy. That was normal.Steven told me that the birthday dinner would be at his place. I got ready quickly and brought my gift with me.He greeted me with a smile when I arrived, but the smile did not reach his eyes. I felt a little strange. It was just the two of us.I sat on the couch, feeling nervous. I looked at the table and saw what looked like a candlelit dinner setup.“Have you been taking your medicine on time lately

Yes, I could never forget those hellish days of torment.…My name was Zoe Walker. When I was five, my mother died, and the Frost family took me in. They had a son, five years older than me, named Steven Frost.I never understood why he hated me, but he always insulted my mother in front of me. He said my mother was a homewrecker who ruined other people’s lives.At first, I was stubborn and argued back. That only brought me a severe beating. Afterward, he poured salt on my wounds. The scars on my legs came from burns he had caused.He said someone like me deserved to be covered in scars.When Steven’s father was alive, Steven held back somewhat. When I turned twelve, his father died, and Steven began to keep me confined in the house.Before I turned eighteen, the punishment stayed mostly on the surface. After eighteen, he began to humiliate me. He even changed my birthday to match his. Over time, I lost my temper completely. I learned to please him just to avoid more suffe

I lowered my gaze slightly and pretended to be shy. I was wearing the nightdress he had bought for me earlier.I lifted myself onto my knees and pushed him down. His breathing grew rapid, and his eyes turned red with desire.I stayed calm and unhurried.At last, he could not hold back anymore. His voice was rough. “I want you, Zoe.“I want you.”I let out a soft laugh and leaned against his chest. I whispered into his ear. He stopped restraining himself. He flipped me over and held me down.“Zoe, say my name.“Say my name.”As he spoke, his hand gripped my waist hard, as if he meant to crush it. I endured the pain and went along with him.Then his expression changed. “Say my name.”Fear crept in when I saw his face. I trembled and called out, “Steven.“Ste—”Before I could finish, he grabbed my throat again. His grip was tight, and his voice was cold. “My name is Stefan.”Stefan?I froze for a moment. The air grew thin, and I had no choice but to obey.“Stefan.”Onl