Chapter 8: The second sister

Chapter 8: The second sister

"I'm sorry," Yvonne whispered, her voice small, trembling, swallowed by the emptiness around her. "Mom... Dad... I tried. I swear I tried...I am still trying."

Tears fell freely, soaking the edge of the photographs. Her body quaked with each sob, the kind that came from somewhere too deep to describe. "I should've gone with her. I should've been there. I should've protected her..."

Her shoulders shook violently. She pressed her forehead to the pictures. "You both told me to take care of Audrey. And I failed you. I failed her."

"Please," she sobbed. "Please forgive me."

She didn't hear the footsteps at first, they were soft at the beginning, then louder, synchronized, heavy.

Then came the sound of boots scraping against wet floor.

Her sobs slowed. She raised her head, wiping her tears with shaky hands. "Who's there?"

No one answered. The candle flickered again, the flame bending as the door creaked open.

"Hello?"

Before she could move, the door swung wide. A group of men in dark coats stepped in, their faces hidden under rain drenched hoods. One of them spoke gruffly, "Yvonne Hepburn?"

She swallowed hard, clutching the pictures tighter. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"Come with us."

"I-what? Why?"

The man closest to her didn't answer. He reached forward, yanking her by the arm.

"Wait! Wait, please!" Yvonne cried, struggling against their grip. "Where are you taking me? Let me go!"

Her bare feet scraped against the ground as they dragged her out of the apartment, her voice echoing down the hallway. The storm outside hit her like a slap, cold wind, hard rain, the world a blur of gray and noise.

"Please!" she screamed, her voice breaking. "Tell me where you're taking me!"

They shoved her into the back of a black car, slammed the door, and drove into the night.

Yvonne's hands shook as she held herself. Every sound outside felt like thunder in her skull, the rain on the roof, the tires cutting through puddles, the faint hum of the engine. She tried to speak, but her throat was dry, her lips trembling too hard.

The drive felt endless. Her mind swirled between fear and confusion. Who were these men? What did they want? Had something happened to Audrey?

When the car finally stopped, it was in front of a massive black iron gate with golden edges, engraved with a name she recognized instantly.

The Whitmore Estate.

Her breath hitched. One of the men opened the door. "Out."

She hesitated. The man grabbed her arm again, dragging her out. Her feet sank into wet gravel. The towering mansion before her gleamed even in the storm, its stone walls lit by tall torches that framed the entrance.

"Maybe his family wants to free Audrey..." she whispered. "They now know she is innocent."

The heavy front doors opened slowly, revealing a grand hall, marble floors, chandeliers, a scent of roses and cigar smoke. Everything was the same as she remembered from the papers, the news, and the wedding pictures. Izo Whitmore's home. The man who had died. The man Audrey had supposedly killed.

Her heart pounded violently as they pushed her inside. At the far end of the hall stood a man.

Her breath caught. Her knees nearly gave out.

"Izo?" Yvonne gasped, stumbling backward, her hands flying to her mouth. "No... no, this can't be..."

He didn't answer, just watched her with a faint, cruel smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Oh my God," she whispered, crying harder now. "This means we can fix everything! We can go to the police, we can tell them! Audrey's innocent, she didn't do anything! Please, Mr. Whitmore, please, you have to come with me."

She reached for him. "We can get her out! She's been in prison-"

He took a slow step closer, his smile widening. "You think I'm going anywhere?"

Yvonne's face fell. "What... what do you mean?"

"Your sister's fate is exactly where it belongs. And yours..." His eyes glared over her, assessing, almost entertained. "...yours begins here."

Yvonne blinked, stepping back. "I don't understand."

"You will."

His voice was rich and calm, yet every syllable carried poison. He turned slightly, gesturing toward the staircase. From above, footsteps echoed.

Yvonne looked up to see a woman descending gracefully, her blonde hair pinned neatly, her gown a deep emerald that shimmered with each step. Her beauty was sharp, refined.

"This is my wife, Claudia," Izo said casually. "I am sure you remember her."

Yvonne froze, her lips parting. "Your... wife? Or ex wife?"

Claudia smiled faintly, though her eyes were cold. "So, this is her elder sister? I think I remember her from the burial."

"Yes," Izo replied, his gaze still fixed on Yvonne. "The elder sister."

Yvonne's eyes widened further. "But Audrey said...you told her you were divorced. You said you hadn't been with anyone else in years!"

Claudia chuckled softly. "Oh, he told her many things."

From behind the woman, two young siblings appeared at the top of the stairs, a boy and a girl, both around Audrey's age. Their resemblance to Izo was undeniable.

"My children," Izo said. "Alexander and Isabella. They were Audrey's best friends by the way. I'm sure you know that."

The boy smirked. The girl tilted her head curiously.

"Children..." Yvonne whispered. "What is happening here? I need an explanation."

Izo smiled faintly. "I will summarize it, I am not dead and your sister will forever remain in prison."

Her stomach twisted. She took another step back. "Why are you doing this? Why-why am I here?"

Claudia's expression hardened. "Because my husband said you belong here. He said you would serve us."

Yvonne stared at her, speechless. "Serve... you?"

Izo nodded slowly. "Yes. You're our new servant...no, slave. Our new... helper, if that makes it easier for your pride."

Her lips trembled. "You can't be serious."

His voice darkened. "I'm always serious."

Yvonne shook her head violently, tears spilling again. "No! No, I'm not your servant! My sister-my baby sister is in prison because everyone thinks you're dead! And I will expose you to the world!"

Izo's gaze hardened. "If you make it out alive, right?"

Yvonne froze. "Are you threatening me?"

"Yes." He turned, walking toward her slowly.

Her body stiffened. "Why? What do you want from us? What did we ever do to you? All Audrey did was love you."

Izo leaned close, his breath cold against her ear. "The day you don't do your duty, Yvonne..." His voice was a whisper, sharp as glass. "...you'll regret it."

Her whole body trembled. "Why are you doing this? If you're alive, why is Audrey still in prison for your death? Why are you letting her suffer for something she didn't do?"

Izo didn't answer. He simply turned away, his footsteps echoing on the marble floor as he disappeared into the hallway, leaving her standing there, wet, trembling, and broken under the watchful, cruel eyes of Claudia, Alexander, and Isabella.

Yvonne's sobs filled the silence, raw and desperate. "Why...?" she cried softly. "Why is my sister in prison... if you're still breathing? Why am I your slave?"