Echoes of the Past

In the year 1923, Rivertown, within the grand estate of the military commander Richard Parker, Emily Thompson leaned against the soft bed, her pregnancy of five months making her feel heavy and drowsy. The room was dimly lit, the only light seeping through the curtains from the moon outside. As her senses sharpened, she realized she was not alone.

Her spine chilled, but she maintained her composure. "Commander? Has the banquet ended? I should be heading back."

He stood there, a silhouette in the semi-darkness, his hand hooked under his chin as he looked down at her. "Commander? Its been so long, have you forgotten my name?"

The moonlight traced the inscrutable features of William Parker, handsome yet terrifying.

"Commander, youre joking. Jason is waiting for me," Emily said, trying to rise and reach for the door.

"Jason Thompson has left you here! You wont be going anywhere!"

"Impossible," Emily gasped as she was yanked back by a forceful hand, her back hitting the bedpost and pain shooting through her.

Williams eyes flickered with coldness. He roughly pulled Emily up and threw her onto the bed, straddling her without any reason.

"Slap!"

The sharp sound of a slap made Williams body pause, his face turning away.

"Let me go!" Emilys face was pale as she pulled back her hand, fighting the fear within her, not allowing it to show.

William closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and laughed. "Emily Thompson, when did you start speaking to me like that?" He then pinned her arms with one hand, tearing her black cheongsam with embroidered butterflies.

A chill ran through her as she felt the fabric give way. Emily struggled desperately.

"No! Jason Thompson! Jason Thompson—!" she screamed towards the door, her voice trembling and desperate.

For her, anyone who could come out and save her at this moment would be a godsend...

William paid no heed to Emilys cries for help. His large hand unimpeded as it moved over her chest, watching her twist in pain, he deliberately increased the pressure.

"It seems your body remembers me," William whispered, leaning over, his mocking words warm against Emilys ear.

The scorn in his eyes was clear to Emily, who bit back the bitterness in her heart and retorted, "Commander, I have already married Jason Thompson!"

She was no longer the dog that William Parker could command, never daring to defy.

"But unfortunately, you dont love him," William sneered, his hands wandering over her body.

Emilys breath hitched, biting her lip to keep from making a sound, forcing herself to ignore the pain that radiated from her heart.

Closing her eyes, she shouted hoarsely, "Jason, where are you! Come out and save me..."

Her struggle almost sapped her strength, and her pleas were bordering on despair.

"Emily—!"

At that moment, a faint cry came from outside the tightly closed window.