Chapter 1My Demon Husband

My mother-in-law was in the hospital. That night, while my husband, Jason, was supposedly watching over her, he reached out and pulled off her oxygen mask.

He killed his own mother!

I saw the whole thing. I’d just stepped out and came right back, standing just outside the door.

Pure terror washed over me. Only one thought screamed in my head: Run!

Then Jason's voice, chillingly cold, came from behind me. "So, you saw."

* * *

My heart hammered against my ribs, but I forced my face into a look of confusion.

"Saw what? I forgot my house keys, just came back for them. How's Mom doing?"

He didn't say anything, just stared, his eyes bloodshot, searching my face for any sign I was lying.

I walked up, patted his shoulder, trying to sound soothing.

"Look at you, your eyes are so red. You must be exhausted. Maybe I should stay tonight instead?"

As I finished speaking, I pretended to head towards the hospital room.

But Jason blocked my way. "No need. Here are the keys."

I let out a tiny, silent sigh of relief.

Then his next words sent ice crawling up my spine.

"It's late. Let me drive you home."

My smile froze for a second, but my brain kicked in fast. "No, Mom needs someone here. You stay with her. I'll just grab a rideshare."

He looked down, his face hidden in the shadows, his expression unreadable.

"Don't worry," I added. "The nurse does rounds early tomorrow morning."

He gave a noncommittal "Mm-hmm." Then, "Send me a pic of the license plate when you get a ride. Just to be safe."

"Okay, don't worry," I said.

I booked a ride home on my phone.

The driver arrived quickly. As I got in, I caught a glimpse of a figure flashing past a window up on the hospital floor.

Just as I thought. He was still watching me.

I screenshotted the car info and sent it to Jason. He texted back, "Let me know when you're home."

The night was pitch black. The driver and I rode in heavy silence.

As we reached a main intersection, I pulled out a hundred-dollar bill and handed it to the driver. "Hey, can you keep driving past this address? Just hit 'arrived' when you get there."

A low voice spoke from the front seat. "Why aren't you going home?"

The driver turned his head. It was Jason's face!