The Setup

Horrified screams, shrieks, and two painful kicks to her body jolted Lucy awake. Her head throbbed heavily as she slowly opened her eyes.

Her brows furrowed in confusion as she took in her surroundings. She was lying on the floor while Marcus stood above her, staring down with pure fury.

“What is happening?” she murmured, struggling to sit up. She couldn’t remember anything.

Suddenly, her hair was yanked back violently by Clara, who was screaming at the top of her lungs. “What the hell did you do to my baby?!”

Marcus grabbed Clara and tried to pull her away, but she was uncontrollable. “You tried to kill my babies, you witch!”

“Clara, calm down,” Marcus said in a panicked voice. “Let’s take them to the hospital first.”

Stella stood nearby, holding the newborn baby. She flashed Lucy a wicked grin before walking toward the door.

“Guard! Lock her up in the basement,” Marcus instructed while dragging Clara out of the room.

“No, Marcus, wait! What’s going on?!” Lucy shouted desperately.

One of the guards approached, hauled her over his shoulder like a sack, and carried her away. The next thing she knew, she was thrown into the dark, damp basement and the door was slammed shut behind her.

Lucy stood up from where she had been dumped on the floor and banged desperately on the iron door. “Let me out!”

After screaming until her voice grew hoarse, she collapsed onto the floor, clutching her head as if to block out the overwhelming darkness closing in on her. It felt like the walls were suffocating her. She drifted in and out of consciousness, screaming every time she woke up. After what felt like an eternity, the door finally creaked open.

Marcus stood in the doorway, blocking most of the light. Upon hearing the noise, Lucy sprang up from the corner where she had been crouching and crawled weakly toward him.

“Marcus, you—”

“Shut up,” he ordered, crouching down to her level. “I never knew you were this disgusting. How could you even think of murdering two innocent children?”

“Marcus, I swear, I don’t know what’s going on. I didn’t do anything. I have no idea what you’re accusing me of.”

“You’re telling me you didn’t push Jaycee down the stairs and try to drown the baby?” he sneered.

Lucy’s eyes widened in horror. “What?”

“Oh please, don’t fake shock. Jaycee said you’re the one who pushed him, and the baby was found in your bathtub with you lying unconscious beside it.”

“Oh my God,” Lucy whispered. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. All I remember is waking up to thick smoke filling my room. It was too much and suffocating. I ran to the bathroom and passed out.”

“Stop with your lies and fake stories.”

“But… but I’m not lying. I would never try to harm those children. They’re small and innocent.”

“You really expect me to believe that?” Marcus said, rising to his full height. “You’re going to stay here and receive your punishment. I honestly don’t know how you turned out like this.”

“No, Marcus, please! I can’t stay here any longer. I’m claustrophobic, remember? Let me out. Please, my son—”

“You no longer have the right to call him that,” Marcus cut her off coldly. “Guards!”

One of his bodyguards appeared almost immediately.

“Give her ten whips every day until we return from the hospital.”

“No, Marcus, you can’t be this cruel! Please believe me, I didn’t do anything!”

“Do you hear me?” Marcus asked the guard.

“Yes, sir.”

The heavy iron door slammed shut with a loud bang, plunging Lucy back into darkness. She stumbled from the force, her mind reeling in confusion. Why would Jaycee lie to everyone? What really happened while she was asleep? And most importantly — who was trying to set her up?