She released Anna's hair, forcing a smile as if she had been caught doing nothing unusual."Oh, don't be so dramatic," she laughed. "I was only teaching her how to be a proper wife. Women these days are far too spoiled."
Chapter 1: The Line That Could Never Be Crossed
I took one step forward.
"Take your hands off my wife."
My voice was calm, but it carried a weight my mother had never heard before.
She released Anna's hair, forcing a smile as if she had been caught doing nothing unusual.
"Oh, don't be so dramatic," she laughed. "I was only teaching her how to be a proper wife. Women these days are far too spoiled."
Anna immediately tried to wipe away her tears.
"It's okay," she whispered.
"No," I answered, walking straight to her.
Her hands were bright red from the freezing water.
Tiny cuts covered her fingers.
Her feet were swollen from pregnancy, yet she had obviously been standing there for hours.
I wrapped a blanket around her shoulders before turning back to my mother.
"How long has this been happening?"
Silence.
I looked at Anna.
She lowered her head.
Then, barely above a whisper, she confessed.
"Since the second month of my pregnancy."
The words hit harder than any punch.
Every business trip.
Every late meeting.
Every night I worked overtime...
She had been living in fear inside my own home.
I had failed the one person who trusted me most.
Without another word, I picked up our overnight bag.
"We're leaving."
My mother laughed again.
"You'll come back after she fills your head with lies."
I looked her directly in the eyes.
"No."
"We're leaving because I finally know the truth."
May you like
For the first time in my life...
My mother looked afraid.
