Frozen Retribution

With Ean's words, my fate was sealed, and the guard said nothing more.

Helen walked in just then. Hearing his words, she smiled. "Ean, let her go. It's been several days, and I'm fine."

"No, she locked you in the office for so long. She deserves to be punished."

Smiling, she said, "Ean, isn't that a bit extreme? After all, she's your wife. It's my fault too. I'm always troubling you and making her jealous. Just let her go."

Helen's words seemed to help me, but each sentence dug me in deeper. Ean fell for it.

"Helen, you're always so kind-hearted. Fine, for your sake, I'll give her a chance."

Helen's expression froze. She did not expect him to say that.

"What's wrong?" Ean asked, noticing her change in expression.

"We haven't seen her in days, right?" Helen's voice was tinged with concern. "Maybe we should get a doctor to check on her?"

I eyed Helen suspiciously. Was she really this compassionate? She had a point, though. A doctor would confirm my death, and they could avoid future troubles.

Ean sighed deeply, taking Helen's hand. "If only she were as understanding as you."

Helen gave a tight smile. "Ean, she's still Mrs. Smith."

Ean's eyes flickered with uncertainty. I could not help but sneer from my hiding place. This was going to be interesting.

I never wanted to fight with Helen over anything. Mrs. Smith? That title was a joke. I had been planning on divorcing him. I had had enough. It was just... I felt so sorry for that little life. My hand instinctively went to my stomach, my heart aching.

Ean's expression darkened, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. "Don't bother pleading for her. Madeline's just being dramatic!"

"There's always something with her—some pain or another, or some excuse. I've seen through her!" He glared around the room. "None of you are allowed to plead for her! Until she apologizes, she stays inside!"

Helen sighed in relief, stepping aside without a word. Meanwhile, I stood there, stunned. So, this was what he thought of me. My heart ached, but it did not matter anymore. I was already dead—both in body and in spirit.

Ean finally acknowledged me and led the group to the abandoned freezer. When we arrived at the door, the guards were visibly trembling.

"Mr. Smith, Madeline hasn't given in yet," one guard stammered,

Ean's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"W-We asked through the door, but there was no response from inside," another guard said, his voice shaking. "Could something have happened to Mrs. Smith? I'm worried..."

Ean snorted. "She's just putting on an act! Open the door. I want to hear her apologize in person!"

Helen smirked, and the guards quickly moved to open the freezer's door. As it swung open, everyone froze in shock.

"Bring her out!" Ean barked.

One guard hesitated. "Mr. Smith, the freezer... It seems to have turned on."

Ean's expression twisted in anger. "What do you mean turned on? Are you trying to shirk responsibility?"

He stepped forward, the cold air hitting him like a physical blow, sending chills down everyone's spine. His face went pale. "Madeline, don't think that this will make me forgive you. Get out here!"

There was only silence.

Everyone exchanged confused and tense glances. Furious, Ean hesitated before saying coldly, "Bring her out for me!"

A few guards rushed in. Moments later, their horrified gasps echoed as they found my frozen body curled up in the corner.

"Mrs. Smith... She has frozen to death!"