3 - End

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The long-awaited sound of the creaking bell finally rang out. A smile crept across Margareth's wrinkled lips. She ascended the stairs with a heart full of joy.

Finally, I can now take control of this house after years of serving that bothersome old man.

Margareth began to gasp for breath on the final steps, perhaps due to excessive enthusiasm and haste. The young girl who now owned the mansion was as insignificant as a fragile insect, unlike the eccentric old man she had failed to remove for so long.

"Do you know, Margareth, they will search for me if my nose doesn't show up at their gatherings every week," Margareth's lips twisted in frustration as she remembered the mocking words. "I even made a will stating that in the event of my sudden disappearance, it would point to you as the one responsible for my death."

That Old Bastard! But look at it now! Worms devoured him, and I'm the one who will get that thing!

The bell rang again. Margareth attempted to steady her breath before knocking on the door. "Miss? Is it done?"

A groan came from inside, brightening Margareth's face. She was tired of pretending to become a servant and wanted what was rightfully hers.

"Miss? Are you all right?" Margaret asked as she tried to open the door. She had failed to kill the girl yesterday, but not this time. Bella Donna's effects were deadly.

The door creaked open slowly. Margareth's head peeked inside, and her eyes gleamed as she saw the edge of a dress peeking out from behind the bed, with a tray of food and a scattered bell on the bed.

Margareth entered before a sudden blow to the back of her head darkened her vision.

*****

Victoria's breath was rapid, and her trembling hand held the golden candle holder as she gazed upon her handiwork. Margareth lay on the floor with blood flowing from her head.

Is she dead? What should I do?

Victoria crouched and placed her trembling fingers under Margareth's nose. Relief washed over her as she felt the air there.

The girl then grabbed a curtain cord and tied Margareth's hands and feet before hurrying out, carrying the candle holder, and locking the room from outside.

*****

The terrifying figure had returned to the house. Victoria's heart pounded with fear, and cold sweat trickled down her back. She peeked from the balcony on the second floor, gazing at the closed front door. How could she descend the stairs without being noticed?

Victoria knew she couldn't stay there for long. Sooner or later, the man would look for Margareth.

The creak of the door suddenly entered Victoria's hearing. A cold gust on her right cheek made the girl turn towards a slowly opening room.

Victoria's eyes widened as she saw a translucent figure walking into the room. She stood frozen for a few moments until the sound of the bell ringing startled her.

Three o'clock in the afternoon....

Victoria peered back downstairs. The man appeared relaxed in the living room, munching on snacks.

A cold breeze on her neck made Victoria's gaze return to the slowly swinging room door.
Should she follow the ghost or become a ghost herself?

Victoria swallowed hard before boldly entering the room.

*****

The translucent white figure seemed to be waiting for Victoria. She walked through the fireplace near the bed. Were there also any hidden paths here?

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