Chapter 1

Suddenly, after years of darkness, my sight returned. But a voice inside my head warned, "Don't let them know you can see." Confused and frightened, I tested my vision, trembling at the reality of it. Before I could revel in the joy, the voice cautioned again, "Hide it, or you'll be killed." With no other choice, I obeyed, seeking to understand the truth behind these ominous words.

"Ethan, I'm back. We've got ribs for tonight," Ethan announced cheerfully, holding a bag of ribs, not minding my silent response as he bent down to change his shoes. Turning towards him, tears welled up in my eyes. After so many years, I was finally seeing him again. He was as handsome as ever, though noticeably thinner, lacking the youthful vibrancy he once had.

"Don't trust him! Don't trust him!" The voice in my head panicked. I averted my gaze, remaining as quiet as usual.

"Honey, were you good today?" Ethan asked, walking into the kitchen to wash his hands before coming over to embrace me. I leaned into his chest, clutching the fabric of his shirt, sneaking a peek at the mirror. "I'm always good," I replied calmly, hiding my restored vision.

Ethan's reflection showed a smirk, not the warm smile I remembered. It startled me; this was not the Ethan I knew. His voice had always been full of life, unchanged from our earlier days.

"Alright, I'll get started on dinner," Ethan said with a light tone, but his eyes held a dark, unsettling gaze. I recoiled in fear, quickly letting go but pretending to be blind, "Can't wait for those delicious ribs."

Ethan's smile twisted into a sneer, though his voice remained tender, "Such a good wife. Dinner will be ready in half an hour." He gently released me and took out a disinfectant wipe, cleaning the spot I had touched. Shocked, I could hardly fathom this change in him.

"Stay calm, don't let him notice anything. Ethan's too clever," the voice advised, seemingly looking out for me.