Chapter 48: Kill My Sins

Brinda

The rain lashed against the pavement, a relentless drumbeat against my skin as I pulled Francesco out of Marshall’s company building.

He resisted at first, his feet dragging against the wet ground, but I didn’t stop. If we stayed a second longer, Marshall would have finished what he started.

Francesco wrenched free from my grasp. His eyes, wild with fury, locked onto mine.

“What the fuck have you just done?” He roared, his voice raw, rainwater dripping from his hair, sliding over his lips.

I shivered, whether from the cold or his rage, I wasn’t sure. “Francesco, he could have killed you! You know what Marshall is capable of…”

“And who are you?” His laugh was sharp, bitter. “Just a slutty woman playing hero?”

The words hit like a knife. But I lifted my chin, refusing to cower. “Francesco, my dignity as a woman lies in my body. And I only give it to those who deserve it.”

His gaze darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. “I should have known. You’re a snake that can’t be trusted. A liar. A woman who…” he scoffed, “...sleeps her way through life.”

Something inside me snapped. “How does that relate to what is going on here?” My voice was shaking now, not from fear, but from rage. “You’re crossing a line, Francesco.”

“Oh? Are you pained?” He mocked, his smirk infuriating. “Or are you regretting your past? Whatever it is, it won’t change the fact that you are nothing but a woman who values no one but herself.”

“Stop it, Francesco.”

He took a step closer, his breath hot despite the cold air. “Are you ashamed? Or do you just hate hearing the truth about your past?”

I swallowed hard. No. He doesn’t get to do this.

“My past?” My voice cracked, but I steadied myself. “What is there to talk about? You left me. I searched for you, but you were gone. And now, you blame me?”

Francesco let out a harsh laugh. “Now you’re blaming me for your mistakes?” He shook his head. “I should have known… a woman like you deserves a loud cheer for all the wrong things you’ve done.”

I felt my breath hitch, my heart hammering against my ribs. “All my life, I guess you never trusted me.”

“Then tell me,” his voice dropped, dangerously low, “where were you that night I left?”

Silence.

He tilted his head, studying me like prey. “Cat got your tongue? You can’t even defend yourself.” His lips curled. “You can’t tell me how you were pressed against Mr. Donald’s client in that room after you swore to me you were going home to see your mother.”

The words felt like acid against my skin. My throat closed up. I tried to speak, but all I could manage was a weak, “Francesco, I… I…”

His expression hardened. “Now, tell me. Am I right? Or wrong?”

I sucked in a shaky breath. “Very wrong, Francesco.”

He scoffed, crossing his arms.

“Did you even wait to ask me what I was doing there?” I asked, voice trembling. “I was already on my way home when Mr. Donald called me back. My mother was sick… I had no choice! You knew what we went through to afford her medication. You knew that, Francesco.”

He clenched his jaw, his eyes filled with something unreadable. “That was because I was foolish enough to believe a bitch like you. I actually thought you were selfless.” His voice cracked slightly before he masked it with a sneer. “How could I have believed that you were still a virgin for me? Do you still love Marshall that you can bear to see me punish him?”

My breath hitched. This isn’t just anger… he’s hurt.

“Will you stop all this?” I whispered.

“Stop what?” His voice was sharp, cutting. “You ruined my life. You should take responsibility for what happened to me.” He stepped closer, his voice a dangerous whisper. “Whether you want it or not, I will make you pay a million times over.” His lips curled into a chilling smile. “And I have already started your punishment… with The Deadly Nightshade.”

My heart slammed against my chest.

“How much longer do you have to live, Brinda?”

I swallowed. “I know I have little time left. But you will die with me.” I lifted my chin. “That, I promise you.”

His smirk didn’t waver. “The only person who will die… is you. I will crush your soul and wipe you off the surface of this Earth. Even your corpse nor ashes will remain. I will make sure not a single piece of your useless body is left.”

I laughed softly, my hands trembling at my sides. “Whatever you wish for me will happen to you.” My voice softened, filled with something I wasn’t sure was pity or bitterness. “I can’t believe you have hated me for almost six years… because of a misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?” His laugh was humorless. “That’s a lie.” His eyes darkened, his voice turning to steel. “Just watch me carve a path for you to the jaws of death.”

I exhaled, my body trembling. “For every sin of yours, you will be punished. Even in hell, you will not find peace.” I looked up at the stormy sky. “I have accepted my fate. I have about seven months left to live. But what about you? Who knows how long you have left?” I tilted my head, trying to provoke him further. “Or your mother.”

Francesco’s entire body stiffened.

“Maybe that’s why your father only left you a little of his fortune.”

His face twisted in rage. His right hand flew up, ready to strike. I didn’t flinch. I shot out my own hand and grabbed his wrist before it could reach my face.

He froze.

Our eyes locked, and for the first time, I saw hesitation in him.

Then, with all the strength left in me, I slapped him. Hard.

His face snapped to the side. He inhaled sharply, his left hand reaching up to his stinging cheek. His jaw clenched, his body stiff.

I stepped forward, my voice cold and unwavering. “A man who raises his hand to a woman is not a man. It shows no strength… only weakness.” I leaned in, my voice dropping. “If your mother didn’t teach you to respect a woman, I will.”

For a brief moment, his eyes softened. Regret? Guilt?

I didn’t care.

“I have told you the truth. Whether you believe it or not… is your choice.” My gaze stayed locked onto his.

He inhaled deeply, exhaling through his nose before muttering, “Let’s go home.” Then, without warning, he grabbed my wrist.

Like I was in a trance, I followed. But something inside me screamed no.

I didn’t need him anymore. I didn’t need anyone.

If Marshall wanted to kidnap me, ruin me, turn me into a puddle of meshed blood… Let him.

I had already sealed my fate.

The powdered glass I had given Francesco was already inside him. He would die soon.

With how much he hated me, he would have no antidote to The Deadly Nightshade in his possession.

As for Francesco and I… we would settle our debts in the afterlife.

He suddenly realized I was struggling and stopped.

Then, without hesitation, he lifted me into his arms.

“Drop me. Right now!” I thrashed. “Do you think the Devil will leave you so soon? We will take our last breaths together.”

“I said, drop me right now!” My voice was relentless.

He tightened his grip. “You have to kill my sins first.”

And with that, he carried me toward his parked car.