The Substitute's Last Dance novel Chapter 1

By the time the dagger had stabbed me more than twenty times, I could no longer

scream.

I just felt cold all over, the blood was flowing too fast.

My fingers were broken, exposing the bones. My shin had been shattered by a

hammer, and my body was covered in scars from branding irons.

Even breathing became painful. I had been tortured for three days and three nights.

“She’s still alive after all this. This woman is tough.”

“We’re only supposed to torture her; the boss didn’t say to kill her. Boss, I’m scared…”

“Step on it and shut up! Once we dump her on the deserted island, not even God

himself could save her.”

The boat hit a sharp wave and shot up. I slammed hard against the bow.

There was a sharp crack—my jaw was probably broken.

The leader of the thugs leered at me, running his filthy hand over my body. I spat a

mouthful of blood onto his face in fury.

Angry, he punched me, and my vision filled with stars, my head spinning.

I had held on for so long, believing in my husband’s promise to come and save me,

but deep down, I knew my chances were slim.

At least it would all be over soon.

I had believed that Jackson once truly loved me.

But true love is fickle.

The boy who once defied all odds to hold me in his arms was the one who pushed

me into the abyss.