Chapter 35(Nancy POV)

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The world around me felt like a distant echo, muffled and unreal, as I regained consciousness. My clothes hung in tatters, the fabric torn and frayed.  A jagged tear ran from my shoulder down to my back, revealing my bare skin. My tongue felt thick and parched in my mouth. My eyes, swollen and raw from the amount of sobbing that happened before I fell unconscious. I reached for my hair, finding the once beautiful, majestic almond brown hair disheveled and in knots.

My body ached, my brain swirling with unbelief and denial. This had to be a foolish dream. A nightmare

I had seen these situations on television, read about them in articles. But I never would have thought I would also become a victim. 

I had lost my virginity. The words echoed through my brain like a curse, my world collapsing as it dawned on me.  If only Nathalie hadn't returned, if only she hadn't taken what was rightfully mine, I would have been enveloped in the safety of my parents embrace, drowning in their apologies and love instead of... this. 

This nightmare where I felt worthless and disgusting and unclean. A nightmare where I felt I was below Nathalie. 

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I pressed my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around my bruised legs as if trying to shield myself from the world. "What's going to happen to me next?" I whispered into the silence. "Why did Nathalie do this to me? I don't deserve this. I don't want to die. I want to marry Chase. I want Mother and Father to regret what they did to me. It's everyone's fault I'm like this."

***

Days went by. Weeks. 

On the first few days I attempted to dismantle the door. I pounded my fists against it until the skin turned a deep shade of crimson, swollen and bruised with each feeble strike. My nails, once neatly manicured, became ragged and torn as I clawed at the rough wood, mingling with blood.

Ever since that day, the man had never shown his face to me ever again. However, memory of him lingered, haunting me. Perhaps he was burdened by the weight of shame. As he should be.

But I knew those were only my pitiful fantasies. I spent the rest of my time either staring at the wall in silence or having a mental breakdown. The stark, barren walls loomed around me, a dull gray that seemed to absorb all light and hope, as I sunk deeper into my desolation. Each day felt like an eternity, the hours stretching endlessly.

In the corner, the man had left a collection of dented canned food, their labels peeling and faded.  I recoiled at the thought of them. The foods that were allowed on my plate were considered luxurious delicacy. But now... 

I grimaced at the pungent scent that wafted from the can as I pried one of them open. 

But after numerous nights on an empty stomach, once I started eating, I couldn't stop. desperation gnawed at my insides, and I finally relented. I began to eat, shoveling the tasteless remnants into my mouth. 

I stuffed my mouth, greedily swallowing mouthful after mouthful, as if this act could somehow quell the storm of misery raging within me. Even when my stomach protested, full and heavy, I continued to eat.

My mind felt blank and numb. Thoughts flitted away like shadows, leaving behind an oppressive silence. All I craved was numbing of eating, the temporary relief of sleep, and the catharsis of tears.

Until the man returned, I realized what I had become. 

 "Oh my lord," Charlie exhaled, his face contorting in disgust. "What have you done to yourself? You look like a pig." 

I glanced at my hands, chubby with fat, and wiped them on my shirt, the fabric tattered and hanging limply from my torso.

What nonsense was he blabbing about? I was the alluring woman, Nancy, —hourglass figure, fair skin, almond-shaped eyes, and honey-brown hair that shimmered in the sunlight.

"Look at yourself," he sneered,  shoving his phone into my face, my reflection in the camera staring back at me. Gone was the slender beauty with glassy skin and an high-bridged nose; in her place stood a hideous, obese figure, hair matted and oily like discarded spaghetti. 

My breath caught in my throat, and a scream tore from my lips. "This is not me!" I lunged for the phone, denying the truth.

 Charlie's grip was like iron on my wrist, his fingers digging into my flesh as he held me back. "Oh yes it is," he spat, venom lacing his words. "I leave you for two weeks, and you transform into a pig. What an awful surprise." His words cut deeper than any blade. 

"I'm not a pig," I screeched, my nostrils flaring. 

"All I wanted was a family," Charlie continued. "We would have been happy. You would be pregnant with my child, and we would be the most loving family alive. But you had to go ahead and turn yourself into an obese animal. I am not taking you as a wife." He spat at me.

Me? As his wife? Pregnant? With his child? I didn't listen to whatever he had to say. 

I pounced at him like a wild animal, reaching for his neck. 

"You.. maniac!" he gasped, hatred gleaming in his eyes. He thrust me across the room, my back slamming against the wall, my vision blurring as I gasped for air. I trembled with both rage, pain and helplessness. 

"You're worthless now," he taunted, his breath ragged, his eyes alight with a twisted satisfaction. In a swift motion, he drew out a lighter, its small flame flickering like the last remnants of my hope.

Dread crawled up my throat as he stepped towards me, igniting my shirt with a flick of his wrist. He curved the corners of his lips upwards. "Farewell, Nathalie."

Nathalie? 

In an instant, the fire roared to life, engulfing me like a hungry beast. "I'm not Nathalie! Stop! Where are you going! You murderer! Stop! Save me!" However my voice was swallowed by the flames, and through the smoke I caught a glimpse of Charlie's unhesitant departure. 

I screamed frantically, my heart racing with terror. I attempted to pick myself up, but the flames were engulfing my legs. No, not just my legs. My hands, my arms, my whole body. 

Tears pricked at my eyes as I slumped against the ground, unable to move. I couldn't feel anything anymore as I watched the flames lick the walls. The roof threatening to collapse. 

Still, unwilling to give in, my eyes darted towards the door. Waiting... waiting for my prince charming. Anytime now.. I could really use some rescuing. Now... now...

Slowly, my world faded into nothing but ashes. 

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⏰ Last updated: Oct 29 ⏰

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