Chapter 1
Author’s Note
This book contains depictions of domestic and gender-based violence. These scenes are written solely to condemn abuse, not to glorify or justify it in any way.
Gender-based violence destroys lives, dignity, and futures. It is wrong—always. Through this story, I stand firmly against it, giving voice to victims and exposing the truth that silence tries to hide.
This work is a statement against violence, not a celebration of it.
2. Dedication (Optional but Powerful)
Dedication
To every survivor who was silenced,
To every voice that was ignored,
And to everyone who stands against gender-based violence—
This story is for you.
Let's start
It was a heatstroke kind of a day.
It is said eyes can be deceiving
but who knew it was true.
It is said love is blind but who
understood.
Poor Carnation’s eyes deceived her, and she married Jonnahthen—an abuser, a psychopath, a complete lunatic.
Carnation was indeed as beautiful as the flower she was named after. Her face was white as snow, her cheeks red as blood, and her skin as smooth as that of a newly born baby. Not to forget her voice—it was a charm, soft and melodious.
Jonnahthen was a business tycoon, one that just scatters away money, one that does not even know what it means to be broke. Not only is Jonnah a business tycoon but is a very dangerous man, for the past ten years he had been playing with women. Jonnah would lay his eyes on a beautiful looking woman, after that he marries the woman, once they get home after marriage he starts to show off his colours. If a wife was to report him, he would eliminate her (kill her).
LET’S START THIS GAME OF LOVE AND HATE
Bro what is the matter with you! Huh? What if Carnation found out about your past misdeeds. Don’t you feel abashed? Boy I want the best for you. Just come out clean and hand yourself over to the police for the killing of five poor women, Jane whispers to Jonnah
You are just my friend, not my mentor.
You don’t want to become my anathema, do you?
I don’t want to abominate you, my boy.
Just abet me in all that I do, alright?
Today is my big day.
I am marrying my sixth mistress—
servant of my house, Carnation’s daughter.
Her father may own a hospital,
but I will own Carnation.
(He lets out an evil, hollow laugh.)
Carnation came, the bride of the day, her face covered with a white veil, walking at a slow gait accompanied by shyness and she was smiling at the gala.
Finally she reached the wedding altar, and there she was, taking object vows with a cheater.
Carnation arrived—the bride of the day.
A white veil rested gently over her face, soft and glowing beneath the lights. Her steps were slow, careful, guided by shyness rather than fear. A small smile played on her lips as she walked forward, her heart fluttering with the hope every bride carries.
She believed this was the beginning of her happiness.
When she reached the altar, she stood beside Jonnahthen, her hands folded neatly before her. The hall was alive with music, laughter, and admiration. Eyes followed her every move, whispering praises of her beauty.
The pastor spoke.
“Do you take Carnation Wisdom to be your lawful wife?”
“I do,” Jonnahthen replied smoothly.
Carnation felt a quiet warmth at his words.
“And do you, Carnation Wisdom, take Jonnahthen Moore to be your lawful husband?”
She did not hesitate.
“I do,” she said, her voice soft but certain.
Applause filled the hall. Smiles bloomed. Flowers were thrown, and congratulations echoed around them.
Carnation smiled beneath her veil, unaware that she had just tied her future to a man who wore kindness like a costume.
AT HOME AFTER THE MARRIAGE
The graveyard known as the Moore Mansion was briefly lightened by the arrival of innocent Carnation.
The aroma of food, prepared by the household’s green-fingered expert, drifted through the halls and found Jonah’s sniffing nose.
Carnation entered, holding a golden tray filled with a variety of cuisines — unaware that beneath the calm, danger waited, ready to explode.
Carnation approached, holding the golden tray laden with a variety of dishes, praying that no hidden danger would erupt in her hands.
“My dearest one,” Carnation said softly, “today, I have cooked the best dish I have ever made.”
She smiled, her eyes bright with careful excitement.
Jonah lifted his gaze and raised his chair slightly, studying her.
“Is this the best dish you have ever cooked?” he asked.
“Yes, kind sir,” Carnation replied.
“Come,” he said quietly. “Follow me into the kitchen.”
She hesitated.
“Why?” she asked
“Don’t you dare speak when I am speaking!” he shouted.
Carnation followed him into the kitchen in silence. The air grew heavy.
Jonnah stared at the pot on the stove, its contents still simmering.
In a sudden, deliberate movement, he lifted it—
And Carnation cried out as pain replaced warmth.
The house remained silent.
