For Better, For Worse: The Serpent's Contract Wife

Chapter 93: Turning Point

[Music: We Go Down Together By Dove Cameron, Khalid]

"Say. Something," I forced the words out through gritted teeth, my jaw straining from how hard I clenched them.

The blade was dangerously close to his skin, and any more, I was gonna cut him open.

Yet, Zade doesn’t flinch or blink. I knew for a fact my blade didn’t threaten him; it didn’t do a fucking thing, but I don’t care.

I was the one holding the weapon, so it should mean something.

I was controlled, no longer trembling, no more doubts clouding my mind, because all I needed was his reason. His reason was the only thing keeping me steady and from spiraling because every cell in my body wanted to.

I should’ve confronted him from day one, but I have always been scared. From the moment those hollow eyes pinned on me, I knew for a fact that this man was unlike anyone I had ever met.

I chose not to confront him because it was easier, it was safer. I held onto so much rage and pain, and that was the only thing I could ever accept. Asking him directly was like a ticking time bomb ready to detonate in my face.

But I can’t take it anymore. His actions toward me, the way he touches me, teased me, and the aftercare. I can’t take it.

I drew in a sharp, shaky breath, pushing my blade closer.

Despite my threatening advances, my eyes were softened in a plea. I was terrified and desperate.

But what I got in return was a blank regard, like Zade had suddenly switched personality. There was no amusement or even a flicker of emotion. Nothing.

It was as if in that moment I truly stood in front of the infamous Serpent—The ruthless Don.

I didn’t know which part broke me more, the thought about finally figuring out why or that he could look at me that way. Not in a teasing or playful way, but like I was just another being in his midst.

"She became a problem," he replied with chilling calmness. "And I dealt with it."

A cold sensation washed over me, my eyes broad in shock. I didn’t know how long I stood there, frozen in time, before I found an atom of strength to open my mouth.

"P-Problem?"

He killed her because she became a problem?

My mind flashed to those pictures I saw, flickering so rapidly, my breath pitching by the second.

~

"Maybe he killed her because she betrayed him... or maybe he simply grew bored... Who knows?" Shane let out a chuckle. "The Serpent has always been impossible to predict. Then again, maybe he’s just as unhinged as the Undercity whispers."

~

I pushed my blade closer until I could feel a warm liquid coat my hands.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" I demanded.

"Details won’t bring her back."

My eyebrows knitted together as tears blurred my vision.

"H-How could you?" My words came out broken, choked by the weight in my throat. "She was the k-kindest. A good person. She..." My breath hitched as tears streamed freely down my face, and the rest of the voice came off like a whisper. "She was like a mother to me."

Nothing. Nothing at all behind those hollow gaze, not even the slightest remorse or guilt.

"She was all I had, Zade. She was all I had, and you took her away from me!"

"..."

I pushed the blade further again; this time, my hand was shaking, and I couldn’t keep it stable anymore.

Shane was right. Zade had always been one thing: ruthless. I wasn’t sure this man had a heart or even considered others human except for his fucking family.

"That isn’t a reason..." I muttered. "It’s because you could and you did. There are no consequences for men like you who take and take."

I pulled the blade free, but it slipped from my finger a second later, hitting the floor with a sharp clang. Blood spattered in small droplets across the floor.

"I hate you, Zade Salvero."

I have said those words more times than I could count, burned them into my memory, and made it my lifestyle for the last two years, but in this moment, every single cell in my body loathed this man to the core.

He made me sick.

I turned to walk away in a sluggish movement, and every step forward felt like chains were attached to my legs, my heartbeat accelerating uncontrollably.

I had to stop and hold my chest as if to keep my heart from falling off.

It got worse until I was struggling to breathe; the air was tight and choking me. The speed of my heart was like it was gonna burst if this kept up.

And just when I thought it would, my body gave out, but I didn’t feel the cold impact of the floor as darkness consumed me.

~☆~

I gasped, opening my eyes, and met with a bed canopy. I passed a slow look around and realized I was in my room.

With my hands rooted at my sides, I pushed my body to sit. I dropped my gaze and found out my dress had been changed to a nightdress.

I clenched the sheets hard, ripping them off my body and swinging my legs off the bed.

I buried my face in my hands, a dull ache in my chest that was suddenly skyrocketing.

My eyes moved to my nightstand and found my switchblade there, clean. But in my eyes, I could see the bloodstains and flashes of last night followed.

I pulled open the drawer and took out the picture frame. It consisted of Annabeth and me when we were kids. I was five, and she was ten years old.

We visited Disneyland and wore Mickey Mouse hats. I managed a smile, and it hurt as if the mere action was too distressing.

How did it get here?

I traced the picture with longing, wishing I could go back to this moment. Hear the constant sound of our laughter intertwined, feel happiness, and be wrapped in her arms again.

How did something so bright and full of life become so dark and twisted? freewёbnoνel.com

I was married to Annabeth’s killer. Staying under the same roof. I have let him touch me in ways I have never let anyone. I have desired him.

My bottom lip trembled as shame washed over me.

"I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry..." I repeated over and over again as if any of it would make a difference, as if it would change a thing.

Apologizing wasn’t gonna change the fact that I let my desire steer me to the point of no return.

I cried, my body heaving as tears gushed down my face. I brought the picture close to my chest and held it tightly, wishing I could hold her and tell her how sorry I was.

I can’t believe I let myself think for a moment that Zade didn’t kill her, that there must have been some truth behind it. I truly wanted it to be so, to validate why I felt such a pull towards him, to validate the forbidden passion.

To think that I actually didn’t want him to be the monster I spent two years of my life hating. I had hoped.

Foolish me was scared of being alone again, because in some twisted belief... the way he always showed up randomly, always being there when I didn’t expect, the void in my chest was starting to close up.

I have lost everything. He had taken everything from me, yet I wanted him.

I was so fucking stupid, and I deserve my sister’s angry spirit.

I slid down from the bed until my butt dropped against the cold floor, my knees to my chest as I cried until there was nothing left to give.

Water wasn’t coming out anymore, as if I had spent it all up, and what was left was a cold, empty shell.

My nose burned, my eyes stung so painfully I could barely see, and my head felt like it was splitting in two.

I somehow managed to push myself to stand, although it took everything I had.

I was achingly slow before I reached the dresser. I saw my reflection, my heart sinking at the sight of my eyes, puffy and red, as well as my nose and cheeks.

Rage surged through me, burning my chest, and in a sharp movement, I grabbed my phone and dialed a number.

I pressed the phone to my ear, waiting until the line picked up.

"If this isn’t a surprise..." Clara’s annoying voice came through. "I’ve been trying to fucking reach you and—"

"I’ll do it."

There was a pause, a long one, but I could tell she understood what I meant.

"What made you change your mind, Ana?"

I looked back at my reflection and wiped away my tears. "You were right."