Chapter 6
The night of the Christmas charity gala finally arrived.
The basement light flickered unsteadily as I sat in the worn wooden chair, my fingers tapping against the table. The crucifix on the wall cast a twisted shadow in the dim light, just like my dark mood at this moment.
‘It’s time to make them pay.‘
The main hall of St. Antonio Church was decorated
magnificently, with red velvet curtains and flickering candles creating a warm holiday atmosphere. Hymns floated through the air as guests dressed in their finest clothes, faces glowing with festive joy.
I was assigned to help in the back kitchen, which suited me
perfectly. From this position, I could observe everything in the
main hall.
Dominic entered the hall with pregnant Isabella on his arm,
immediately becoming the center of attention. She wore a deep
green velvet evening gown that made her look elegant and
charming, her slightly protruding belly adding a maternal
radiance.
“Congratulations!” Guests crowded around to offer their well-
wishes.
“Thank you all.” Dominic was beaming. “I’m sure this child will be the pride of our family.”
Isabella gently caressed her belly, her face glowing with happiness. “We’re all looking forward to his arrival.”
Antonio, dressed in a black suit, moved through the crowd,
occasionally exchanging glances with Dominic. Both were
vigilantly watching their surroundings.
About an hour later, I saw Antonio approach Isabella.
“Miss Isabella, there’s something suspicious in the back storage
room. Could you help me check it out?” he said quietly.
Isabella glanced at Dominic, who was chatting with the priest. ”
Of course, for Dominic’s safety, I’d do anything.”
I quietly followed them as they headed toward the storage room
behind the church. The space was cramped and dimly lit, filled
with various religious artifacts and decorations.
I pulled a small audio device from my bag and quietly placed it
in the corner outside the storage room door. This device would
amplify the sounds from inside, ensuring people outside could
hear.
‘Now to find Dominic.‘
I returned to the hall and approached Dominic. “Wouldn’t it be
unsafe for Isabella to go back there alone?”
Dominic turned around, worry creeping across his face. “You’re
right, I should go check on her.”
“She went to check the storage room with Antonio,” I
deliberately reminded him.
Dominic nodded and started walking toward the back. I followed
at a distance.
‘This is it. Everything’s about to end.‘
Dominic quietly approached the storage room, and I could see
his body tense up. The sounds coming from behind the door
made him stop in his tracks.
It was the sound of kissing and suppressed breathing.
Dominic’s face instantly turned pale, then flushed red. His hands clenched into fists, his whole body trembling.
I hid around the corner, watching as he suddenly threw open
the storage room door.
“What the hell are you doing?!” Dominic’s roar shook the entire
hallway.
Inside the storage room, Isabella and Antonio were passionately
embracing in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary, Isabella’s
dress already disheveled.
“Dominic!” Isabella screamed, pushing Antonio away and trying
to straighten her clothes.
But Antonio didn’t retreat. Instead, he stood up angrily.”
Dominic, you’re finished! This child is mine, Isabella loves me!”
“No, Dominic, he forced me!” Isabella cried. “The child is yours!
I swear!”
“Stop pretending!” Antonio shouted furiously. “You said yourself that Dominic was worthless! You said he didn’t deserve
to touch you!”
Dominic’s face twisted into a terrifying expression. “You… you‘ ve defiled sacred ground! Defiled my family!”
He grabbed the silver chalice from the altar table–a precious
religious artifact that gleamed in the candlelight.
“Dominic, don’t!” Isabella screamed.
But it was too late. Dominic raised the chalice and brought it
down with all his strength on Antonio’s head.
Blood splattered, staining the merciful Virgin Mary statue. Antonio let out a muffled grunt and collapsed to the ground, blood pouring from his shattered skull.
“Die! You traitors!” Dominic struck twice more until Antonio
was completely still.
Isabella curled up in the corner, clutching her belly and letting out heart–wrenching screams.
The guests outside heard the screaming and rushed into the hallway. When they saw the bloody scene in the storage room, screams erupted everywhere as people began to flee in panic.
I stood at the back of the crowd, watching it all with a satisfied smile on my lips.
Dominic stood in the pool of blood, still gripping the blood- stained chalice, his eyes completely mad. Isabella sat collapsed on the floor, her pale cheeks streaked with tears and terror.