Bury the Love Full of Lies Forever

The folks in Green Heights Village were terrified of me.

One guy, unable to stand my presence, decided to pour a bucket of calf's blood into my home while I was sleeping, then let the grieving mother cow in.

He stood outside, snickering to himself, but three minutes later, I emerged, gripping a cow horn in my hand, still warm with blood on my face.

His expression shifted from smugness to sheer panic as he turned to flee.

Unfortunately for him, that little stunt left him with a permanent disability—his thigh pierced through, leaving him unable to stand again.

I had reluctantly agreed to marry Justin.

One day, Amanda Dent showed up at my door, a basket of eggs in her hands, worry etched on her face. "Alicia, are you really going through with this?" she asked, concern heavy in her voice.

I met her gaze, and she sighed deeply, "What kind of man goes around bragging about you having sex with him before you're even wed? You're a strong girl; why the sudden change?"

Yes, in this godforsaken place, there were still those who cared for me.

I decided to steer the conversation away from my impending marriage and picked up an egg. "Did you gather these with the others?"

She nodded, her brow furrowed. "You don't have parents, and we've watched you grow up like you were our own. Your mother... she came with us, but..." Her voice trailed off as she wiped away a tear.

A muscle in my neck twitched.

"Amanda, you should head back. Your husband will find out you brought me these eggs and will give you hell."

That evening, Justin swaggered into my home as if he were already my husband.

He reached out to touch me, but I shot him a glare that made him pull back.

"I've heard from the villagers that you've got quite the fiery spirit," he said, trying to sound authoritative. "But with a little discipline, I'm sure we can work it out."

I couldn't help but chuckle.

The villagers wanted him to take me away, hoping he'd mistreat me, yet they were terrified he'd discover who I really was and back out.

So they spun this tale instead.

I served myself a second bowl of noodles, just the right amount for two. Justin slurped his down with a satisfying noise, but as he stood to leave, he suddenly collapsed back onto the table, clutching his stomach in agony.

I finished my last spoonful of broth and wiped my mouth.

"What did you put in this?" he whimpered, his features twisted in discomfort.

I knelt beside him, squeezing his cheeks until they turned pale. "You need to tell them you're going to observe me for a while. Make it a fortnight before you leave."

He looked bewildered, but it was clear he was under my spell now. The antidote was in my hands, and he had no choice but to comply.

Before long, fishes were hooked.