Chapter 382
Yet amidst the desolation, a quiet resilience took root. Despite the impossibility of their situation, Jude and his companions clung to the fragile threads of their humanity, finding solace in their shared experiences and enduring bonds. In the face of the inexplicable, they remained steadfast, clinging to the hope that someday, somehow, they would unravel the mysteries that bound them to this unfamiliar world.
Still the arrival of newcomers and then them going missing or dead, Amid the relentless cycle of newcomers arriving only to disappear or meet untimely fates, Jude found himself immersed in deep contemplation. The pattern of arrivals and subsequent losses remained unchanged, casting a shadow of inevitability over their lives. As he grappled with the haunting repetition of events, Jude's thoughts were consumed by unanswered questions and gnawing doubts about their purpose in this enigmatic realm.
Lost in his reverie, Jude was abruptly interrupted by Lucy, her presence cutting through his introspection like a beacon in the darkness. She approached him with a solemn expression, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and resolve.
"Jude,"
Lucy began, her voice steady yet tinged with urgency,
"there's something important I need to tell you."
Jude's attention snapped into focus, curiosity mingling with a sense of apprehension. Lucy had always been perceptive, attuned to nuances that eluded others. He regarded her with a blend of anticipation and wariness, wondering what revelation she was about to share in this precarious moment of their shared existence.
As Lucy hesitated, her eyes searching Jude's face for a sign of understanding, Jude sensed her unease. He could see the weight of unspoken words pressing upon her, and his heart went out to her in that moment of vulnerability.
"Lucy,"
Jude said gently, encouraging her to share whatever burden she carried.
"You can tell me anything honey. I'm here for you."
Lucy took a deep breath, gathering her courage. She knew she had to reveal the truth, no matter how unconventional or unsettling it might be. With a steadying exhale, she began to speak, her voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and determination.
"Jude, there's something I need to confess,"
Lucy started, her gaze unwavering.
"I'm not exactly who you think I am. My name is Eva, and I'm... I'm a ghost possessing Lucy's body."
Jude's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, his mind struggling to grasp the implications of her revelation. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, amplifying the gravity of the moment.
"Eva?"
Jude repeated, his voice laced with disbelief.
"A ghost? Hahaha… nice joke."
Lucy, no, Eva, nodded solemnly.
"Yes. I've been here for a long time, observing and trying to understand. This is not a joke. I know about your love and care for your wives, Jude. That's why I can no longer stay silent. I don't want to intrude or disrupt what you have with them. Seriously I wish I was alive, if so I could ask you to marry me."
Jude's thoughts raced, a whirlwind of emotions stirring within him. He had grown accustomed to the inexplicable in this strange world, but this revelation struck a chord deep within his soul.
"You've been... watching us?"
Jude asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution.
Eva nodded again, her eyes reflecting an unspoken sorrow.
"Yes, Jude. I died a virgin, because of that, after my death I became a ghost with only lustful desires. I possessed many women to have sex with anyone I see, but I never saw any man like you. John, a young priest, captured me and sealed me inside a can. He threw me in the sea. After some years I managed to get free. Then I came here and saw you. I've seen the bonds you share with your wives. It's a rare and beautiful thing. I don't want to come between that."
Jude regarded Eva with a mixture of astonishment and empathy. Despite the surreal nature of her confession, he sensed a sincerity in her words, a longing to connect and understand. He went along even though it's tough to believe.
"I appreciate your honesty, Eva,"
Jude said softly, reaching out to gently touch her shoulder.
"But why reveal this now? And what do you mean by possessing Lucy's body?"
Eva's expression softened, her gaze meeting Jude's with unwavering sincerity.
"I've been searching for a way to have sex with you all this time. For that i first possessed Layla. We had a great time when I was inside her, then when I felt you going overboard I possessed Stella to escape. That day Lucy almost caught me possessing Stella but I managed to possess lucy. After that when Scarlett accidentally found the can which John used to trap me, I went into her body. All these wives' bodies offered me that opportunity. No matter which body I used to have sex with you, you always showed the same love and care. I didn't mean to deceive, but I couldn't let this moment pass without telling you the truth. Because I love you."
Jude nodded slowly, his mind racing with questions and implications.
"So, Lucy... or rather, you, Eva... what do you want now?"
Eva took a moment to collect her thoughts.
"I want to assure you that I mean no harm. I've witnessed your struggles and losses, and I empathize with your plight. I only wish to offer understanding and support, if you'll have it. By support means I'm going back into that can. I need your help for that."
Jude studied Eva, seeing beyond the facade of Lucy's familiar face. He sensed a depth of compassion and wisdom in her words, a ghost seeking solace in human connection.
"Thank you, Eva,"
Jude replied, a sense of acceptance settling over him.
"Your honesty means a lot. We may be in a precarious situation, but we're stronger together. But as you said we cannot let someone else's life be lost in our desires. So I'll help you get back in the can. But are you sure about this?"