Chapter 18
Unchained Courage
Uma arrived at the Ghost Prom just as angry voices erupted from a luxurious pavilion at the edge of the glamping area.Close to the tent where she’s seen Evelyn and Cornelius before.She recognized Cornelius's voice immediately, though it carried none of the alluring polish she'd heard at the book launch.
The contrast was jarring—the celebration's joyful energy clashing with the harsh tones echoing from the tent.Other spirits seemed oblivious to the conflict, their attention focused on the music and dancing that filled the grove.
"...absolutely useless!I give you one simple task, and you can't even manage that properly!"
Uma's stomach clenched at the venom in his voice.This wasn't just a disagreement—this was calculated cruelty designed to break down another person's sense of worth.
"I tried," came Evelyn's weak reply."They weren't in their tent, and no one knew where—"
"Excuses!"Cornelius's voice cracked like a whip."I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses.You're supposed to be my assistant, not my burden!"
Uma crept closer to the pavilion, her anger building with each cruel word.This wasn't the first time he'd spoken to Evelyn this way, and it wouldn't be the last unless someone intervened.
"I'm sorry," Evelyn whispered."I'll try harder, I promise—"
"Your promises are worthless," Cornelius snarled."Just like you.Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is to have such an incompetent assistant?People might start to think I make poor choices in my professional relationships."
Uma heard a soft, heartbreaking sob from inside the tent.The sound hit her like a physical blow, triggering memories of every time she'd witnessed bullying, every moment she'd wanted to intervene but hadn't been sure how.
The manipulation was textbook—isolating Evelyn from potential support, making her responsible for his emotions, and ensuring she felt grateful for any scrap of basic human decency he might occasionally provide.
"Stop crying," Cornelius commanded coldly."Your emotional displays are exhausting.Pull yourself together and try to be useful for once in your miserable existence."
Uma's hands clenched into fists as she listened to the cruel tirade.The flask in her pocket seemed to pulse, as if responding to her determination to end this cycle.
The tent flap burst open as Cornelius stormed out, his hair disheveled and his magazine-cover features twisted with contempt.He didn't notice Uma pressed against a nearby tree as he stalked away toward the main celebration, muttering about "incompetent help" and "worthless assistants."
He paused only a moment, shook his whole being, and plastered a smile back on his vacant face.His transformation was complete—from private abuser to enthralling public figure in the span of seconds.The ease with which he switched between personas spoke to years of practice.It nearly made Uma physically sick.
She waited until he disappeared into the crowd of celebrating ghosts before approaching the tent.She could hear quiet sobbing from inside.
"Evelyn?"she called softly."It's Uma.From earlier today.Are you alright?"
The crying stopped abruptly, followed by frantic rustling sounds as Evelyn attempted to compose herself before facing another person.
"I...I'm fine," Evelyn's voice wavered."You shouldn't be here.If he comes back and finds you..."
The immediate concern for Uma's safety, despite her own distress, revealed the kind of heart and soul Evelyn still possessed.
"He's gone," Uma said gently, slipping through the tent entrance."And even if he wasn't, no one deserves to be spoken to like that."
Evelyn sat hunched on a cushion, her ghostly form dim.Her glasses were askew and steamed from the tears streaming down her translucent cheeks.The contrast between her obvious pain and the cheerful prom decorations visible through the tent opening was heartbreaking.
"You heard," Evelyn said, not really a question.
Her shame was palpable, the humiliation of having her private torment witnessed by anyone was almost too much to bear.
"I heard enough," Uma replied, settling beside the distraught ghost."Evelyn, what he's doing to you...it's not okay.It's abuse."
"You don't understand," Evelyn said, her voice barely above a whisper."This is my eternal punishment.I can never escape him."
The words carried the weight of complete hopelessness, the resignation of someone who had been convinced that suffering was her natural state, and that resistance was futile.
"What do you mean?"Uma asked.
