Seven Years a Shadow: The Stand-In's Escape novel Chapter 34

"No matter how much you hate me, how much you torment me, I accept that. I just beg you to help me get revenge for Lucky," Eliza shouted.

"If you do this for Lucky, I would give you my life."

Benson's gaze locked on the injuries on Eliza's face, and he felt a sharp twist in his heart.

He tightened his fists. "Do you want to explain what happened two years ago?"

Eliza hesitated, then blurted out, "It's all my fault. I brought this onto myself. I deserve it."

Benson's expression hardened.

The evidence Isolde had was real.

He had been toying with the idea that maybe he had misunderstood Eliza.

But now, there was no need to question it further.

With a forceful push, Benson opened the door, sending Eliza tumbling to the ground. "It was just a dog. So what if it's dead?"

Eliza felt as though her heart had been torn apart. She clutched his pant leg desperately, her voice filled with despair. "Benson!"

His eyes flickered for a moment, but soon the indifference returned.

He kicked Eliza away, intentionally pulling Isolde into his embrace. "Cook up the rest of the dog meat. Everyone deserves a good meal."

Eliza sat in darkness from dusk to dawn, clutching Lucky's toy.

When she had first gone blind, she spent her days cooped up in her room, feeling hopeless. Benson, worried she would lose herself, took her to a guide dog school.

The moment she entered, Lucky ran over, ready to snuggle her, as if they had known each other forever.

The trainers at the school said Lucky was the most mischievous and energetic dog and suggested Eliza consider another one.

But she wouldn't part with Lucky. She brought him home.

Benson loved Lucky too. He said Lucky was like Eliza's second pair of eyes.

He promised to treat Lucky well, to ensure he would grow up a happy dog.

Yet now, he let Isolde kill him.

Eliza tightened her grip on Lucky's toy. "Lucky, I'm leaving this place soon too. No matter what I forget, I will never forget you."

Suddenly, footsteps sounded from outside, and Isolde's mocking voice pierced through the door. "Benson and I are getting engaged tonight, and we need extra hands. You have to help out."

Eliza calmly turned towards Isolde. "You don't need to target me; I'll be leaving soon."

"Where do you think you're going?"

Isolde's face paled. She turned to Benson for an explanation, but he interrupted her. "I'll ask you one more time. Where are you going?"

Eliza felt anxious, furrowing her brow. She lied, "I want to go to the countryside, to the old house."

Benson's expression softened a bit. "You're staying right here. If you try to leave, I'll make you regret it."

Eliza nodded, not daring to say more.