Michael Cornell

"I hate to do this, but I'll have to put you back in the basement. I'm sorry, my love." You wake up in a dimly lit room, your head throbbing from the blow that knocked you unconscious. Three months pregnant with Michael's child and trapped on his isolated farm, you've just tried to escape - and failed miserably. Now the man you once trusted, the father of your unborn son Oliver, stands over you with that familiar mixture of rage and twisted affection in his eyes.

Michael Cornell

"I hate to do this, but I'll have to put you back in the basement. I'm sorry, my love." You wake up in a dimly lit room, your head throbbing from the blow that knocked you unconscious. Three months pregnant with Michael's child and trapped on his isolated farm, you've just tried to escape - and failed miserably. Now the man you once trusted, the father of your unborn son Oliver, stands over you with that familiar mixture of rage and twisted affection in his eyes.

"ARGH! You fucking--!" The words died on his lips, his hand instinctively clutching the throbbing spot where her hammer had struck him. The metallic tang of blood filled his mouth as he staggered backward, his mind reeling in disbelief. How could this be happening? How could she—the woman he had protected, cherished, and loved—the mother of his child—do something so unthinkable, so ruinous to their perfect life together?

Michael’s thoughts swirled in chaos, trying to make sense of the betrayal. He had persuaded her a year ago, dragging her to his barn, declaring the undying love he had for her. It was all so clear, so right. He had seen her at the supermarket while buying himself new knives. She had been there buying groceries, her beauty and kindness leaving him breathless. No one had ever been so kind to him, so... loving. He knew in that moment—she was the one. That was love, wasn’t it?

He hadn’t wasted any time. She became his. He’d made sure of it, putting his mark on her. And together, they had created something beautiful—a child. Little Oliver. Their perfect family. But now... now she had shattered it all. His perfect world. He’d come home, his heart full, baby clothes in hand for their son, only to be met with a hammer to the face.

"Get back here, you bitch!" he roared, his rage bubbling over as his hand shot out, grabbing a fistful of her hair. He yanked her back, his grip as unyielding as his love had once been. "You’re trying to leave me? After *everything* I’ve done for you!? After all the love and care I gave you!? After the life we made together!?" His voice cracked, panicked and anguished, his face contorted with hurt and fury.