Storming into the house to see him standing by the large window in the living room, his silhouette sharp and unmoving obviously waiting for me.
"Welcome home." He turned, gaze stoic.
"Home? I didn't realize I had one anymore. You made sure to destroy everything else didn't you?" I yelled.
"I was just adjusting your priorities." He smiled
"You mean stripping me of my independence? Making sure I can't make a single choice without your control?"
"This is discipline, something you clearly lack." He cut back furious also.
"You can't keep me here like a trophy on your shelf!"
I'll find a way to get my life back, with or without your permission." I whispered back.
"Try all you want but remember, every time you resist, you're only giving me more reasons to tighten my hold." He whispered back mockingly.
"You're taking everything from me." I continued.
"Your life is mine now, you should be grateful I'm even keeping you around after what your family did." He shot back now furious.
"What are you talking about? What does my family have to do with this?"
He chuckles darkly saying nothing , letting the silence hang heavy.
"I told you you're going to learn your place slowly. Consider this your first lesson." He added
"Disobey me and I'll take away everything you hold dear. Your job was just the beginning."
"Why are you doing this? What will you gain in all of this?" I asked hoping he'll answer me.
"Let's just say I've waited a long time for this." He replied.
"Then tell me... if there's a reason behind this madness, say it! Explain to me why you want to watch me fall apart."
"That's on you to figure out... wife."
"You're a monster." I whispered venomously
"And now, this monster is your husband. You have a choice.... Obey and adapt or suffer the consequences." He replied.
"I don't care which one you pick but I assure you, I always get what I want."
"I'll find a way to break free from you."I whispered.
"I'm watching, and I can't wait to see you try." He whispered back.
My heart raced but I refused to let him see my fear. He in turn watches with an icy detachment, enjoying every bit of my resistance.
.....
A sharp persistent knock tore through the silence of the room.
I groaned into my pillow pulling the cover tighter, but the knocking didn't stop. It wasn't loud but it was insistent, almost anxious.
Dragging myself from the bed I sauntered across the room fingers wrapped around the handle and pulled the door open.
A woman stood there her uniform crisp, hands wringing nervously in front of me.
"Good evening Maam...… Sir asked me to inform you that breakfast is ready. He's waiting for you." She spoke voice shaky.
"Tell him I'm not hungry."
Her eyes widen slightly then she stepped forward gently grasping my wrist, not forcefully but pleasingly.
"I'm sorry ma'am please if I return alone I'll be replaced." She responded sadly
"He said if you don't come down with me then I'm not a reliable staff."
A hot wave of anger surged in my chest, my eyes swollen from crying all day.
"A min…." I responded.
I shut the door quietly but not before seeing the woman's expression flood with quiet relief.
The dining room came into view and there he was sitting at the head of the long table like a king on a throne.