Chapter 71
Tessy’s POV
I had a series of dreams, my mind a war zone. Nightmares crept in like thieves, stealing my peace.
Darkness descended, suffocating me. Shadows wrapped around me like vines, their icy fingers grasping. I tried to run, but my legs were leaden, trapped in quicksand.
Eddy’s face materialized, his whip cracking through the air. The sound echoed through my soul, leaving me shattered. His eyes gleamed with malice, his smile twisted.
I begged for mercy, but none came. The whip cracked again, its pain searing through my mind.
Suddenly, the scene shifted. The dragon and viper masks haunted me, their empty eyes watching me. Corridors stretched endlessly, every door leading to more horror.
I fled, but my feet felt heavy, rooted to the spot. The masks drew closer, their presence suffocating.
I tried to scream, but my voice was silenced, muzzled by fear.
The abyss beckoned, a void so deep it swallowed me whole. I plummeted down, darkness enveloping me.
Screams tore from my throat, echoing through my mind.
I jolted awake, gasping for air. My heart pounded, sweat soaking my skin.
But sleep pulled me back down, into another terror.
The nightmares cycled, relentless. Eddy’s whip cracked, the masks loomed, and the abyss yawned open.
I was trapped, lost in a labyrinth of horrors.
I finally woke up and found myself in a familiar room, where am I? I couldn’t move, I was in pain then a family aura hugged me and when he looked at me it was Eddy, he was in tears.
“Baby doll, I am so sorry, I shouldn’t have let you out of my sight if I knew he was this evil.” He said to me and I couldn’t say a word but remained mute, I hated myself because I was traumatized by everything that happened.
Anthony’s gentle hands cradled me, his compassionate eyes locked onto mine. Days blurred into weeks, and he tended to my every need. He bathed me, fed me, and shielded me from the darkness outside.
But despite his loving care, I remained shattered. Words got stuck in my throat, and tears streamed down my face at the slightest provocation.
“Tessy, please talk to me,” Anthony whispered, desperation cracking his voice. “Tell me what’s going on inside that beautiful head of yours.”
I tried, oh God, I tried. But my voice was gone, lost in the abyss of my fears.
Anthony held me close, his warmth seeping into my chilled bones. “I’m here, Tessy. I won’t leave you. Ever.”
His words should have comforted me, but they only made me cry harder. I felt like I was drowning in my tears.
One evening, Anthony’s eyes locked onto mine. “Tessy, I need to tell you something.” His voice trembled. “I love you. Truly, deeply love you.”
My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to respond, to tell him I loved him too. But my voice remained trapped.
“I’m sorry I didn’t admit it sooner,” Anthony continued, regret etched on his face. “I was scared… scared of losing you. And I’m sorry about Eddy… I had no idea he was a monster. I messed up, and I’m sure my sister is unaware. But I will find out what happened to him that made him different.”
Tears welled up again, and I buried my face in my hands.
The doctor visited regularly, her kind eyes assessing my fragile state. “Tessy’s still traumatized,” she said gently. “Give her time, Anthony. She’ll heal.”
But time seemed to move backward. Every touch, every whisper, made me flinch. Eddy’s face haunted me, his whip cracking in my mind.
Anthony sensed it. He kept his distance, waiting for me to heal.
One night, as he held me, I felt a glimmer of safety. But Eddy’s ghost lingered, taunting me.
Anthony’s eyes filled with pain. “Tessy, I won’t push you. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”I cried, overwhelmed by emotions.
A week passed, and I was still recovering. Physically, I was healing, but emotionally, I was still fragile. Anthony’s care and love had been a constant source of comfort, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease.
In secret, I had undergone a private medical test with the doctor. The results were mine alone, locked away in my heart.
Boredom got the better of me one day while exploring Anthony’s villa. My fingers wandered over the intricate carvings on his wardrobe. A fancy button caught my eye.
I was so curious to find out what was there so I pushed the button, and the door creaked open, revealing a secret room. The air inside was heavy and thick with secrets.
What exactly is Anthony hiding? What’s this place? I wanted to go back but I was so curious to find out more.
Walking in, a female programmed voice said,
“Welcome, Viper,”
The lights flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls. I stepped inside, my heart racing.
As I entered, the door clicked shut behind me.
I spun around, but it was too late.
The room was a labyrinth of shadows.
Suddenly, the lights stabilized, illuminating the space.
That’s when I saw it. The Viper mask in a crystal glass,
My heart skipped a beat. What the hell is going on?
My eyes locked onto the mask again, my mind reeling.
No, it can’t be. I refuse to believe that Anthony is the same person as Viper. How can he be my lover and my nightmare?
Anthony… the ruthless Viper?
I took a step back, my vision blurring.
The room began to spin. Memories flashed before my eyes.
Anthony’s loving gaze, his gentle touch, his whispered promises…
The mask seemed to mock me, its empty eyes gleaming with malevolence.
I gasped for air. My legs trembled.
Next to the mask, a glass case enclosed an iron fist.
I came out of the place and first of all, emptied two bottles of water, I needed to act normal for now, till he was ready to tell me.
He finally returned home in the evening but I couldn’t look at him with love, “Are you okay? Did I do something wrong? Why do you look at me like a monster?”
“I feel tired.” I lied.
“You need to rest, also Eddy called, he wants us to meet else he will inform your dad, my sister and the entire world will know, it can ruin your reputation as well.”
“What??” I was consumed with fear but he hugged me saying, “He is my nephew, he won’t hurt you anymore, we will see him tomorrow evening and everything will be settled, he knows too much.”
Oh no, don’t tell me he is going to kill his nephew tomorrow? How can I wake up from this nightmare?