Page 3 of Her Cruel One-Sided Love

"Don't forget, we meet at midnight,va bene?"My cousin blows me a kiss before walking away with his arm already curled around his newest squeeze.

Security scans my ID next, and it takes only a moment before I have an admission band strapped around my wrist, and I'm also cleared for entry. Admission to the Marchettis' annual fright fest may be free, but pre-registration is non-negotiable for both residents and invited guests alike.

"Oh my gosh, is that..."

"No way, I can't believe that's..."

"Is that really..."

It's not just the Halloween decor, the refreshments, or the scare actors and the top-notch attractions that the Marchettis go all-out on. No expense is also spared to have A-listers drop by every year, and for good reason, too.

Clueless residents may think this party is Boston's most prominent family's way of practicingnoblesse oblige,but in reality it's just the Marchettis wanting to have intel on everyone living in their city.

La Stregaisn't the all-seeing, all-reaching, and all-powerful weapon of destruction that she is by chance. Nothing happens in the Hub that the Marchetti matriarch doesn't know about, and it's because of her - andnotour so-called 'awesome' local government that's the reason why no one these days ever gets mugged, raped, or murdered.

Just a matter of luck,I can't help thinking as I absently watch a zombie nurse offer complimentary drinks in blood bags. Some people are lucky to live in a city like this, wherefamigliawith a conscience are in charge. And then there are those who aren't so lucky, like my Papa who...

Non andare lì, Ysabel!

Tonight is all about restarting my life, but I can't do that if I keep going back to the past.

Excited shrieks and cries from other guests give me something new to focus on, and I realize the front act for tonight's concert (also for free,natch) is about to start.

"It's really them! It's them!"

The stage setup is at the back of the fountain, and while I'm also a huge fan of the girl group from Korea that's just started singing and dancing in front of the crowd—-

I think I need to be alone for now, instead of being lost in a screaming sea of people.

I think I need to go to a place that's a lot more quiet and just think.

I think I need...that.

What seems like a massive garage shed has been repurposed and turned into an indoor horror maze...with a twist.

Answer right, and you get out alive.

Answer wrong, and you won't be breathing for long!

Apprehension skitters down my spine as I read the words that have been spelled out with incandescent light bulbs on a signboard right above its doorway. Since this is afamiglia-organized event that's held in afamiglia-owned property——should I be worried and take that warning literally?

But on the other hand, I did say I want tothink,so...

Forza, Ysabel!

I march up determinedly to the entrance, and the clown manning the doors looks at me threateningly.

"You sure you're ready for this, little girl?"

"Bring it on, Pennywise with Black Lips."

He almost drops his act by grinning, but Mr. Fake Pennywise quickly recovers and rings the web-covered bells behind him. Its funereal chime seems to serve as a cue, since all sorts of noise follow right after it.

Thunder rumbles, chains rattle, and ghosts moan as the shed doors slowly creak open all on its own, and my heart still races even though I know all of this is make-believe.

"See you on the other side, little girl."

The clown's whisper is the last thing I hear as I enter, and my heart jumps to my throat when the doors abruptly slam shut behind me.

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