Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Hell Of A Marriage

Luna's POV

I winced, biting back a cry as Dr. Rufus cleaned the welts on my back. Again. This was becoming a familiar routine. My husband, Victor, liked to push me to my limits, and sometimes, those limits meant our trusted family doctor coming to the house. Everyone who attends to me is employed by my husband

"Pain's a part of life, Luna," Victor would say, his voice low and husky in my ear. "And I'm the one who brings it to you."

Dr. Rufus's hands moved gently, but I could sense a hint of disapproval. He'd seen me like this before, too many times. Yet, he never judged, never lectured. He just fixed me, so I could go back to Victor, to the pain and the pleasure that came with it.

"Deep breaths, Luna," Dr. Rufus murmured, his voice a soothing balm. "Almost done."

I inhaled, feeling the sting of antiseptic, the ache of bruises.

As Dr. Rufus applied a bandage, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Purple marks marred my skin, and I couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of pride. Victor's marks,his love,

but at what cost?

Dr. Rufus's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of concern. "Luna, if you ever need to talk—"

I shook my head, interrupting him. "I'm fine, Doctor. Just a little...enthusiastic...play."

He nodded, though I knew he didn't believe me. No one did. Not even myself but no one dares go against Victor.

"Take this!!” Dr Rufus gave me the throat lozenges as usual which helps my voice anytime he hurts me.

I noticed a weird look in his eyes and I was forced to ask him, "Is there something I need to know, Doctor?”

"You are pregnant again Mrs Luna!!” Immediately he said these words, I don't know if I should be rejoicing or crying! This will make it the third time I have gotten pregnant for Victor. I hope I don't end up getting a miscarriage this time around.

The doctor took his leave and I was all alone in my room reflecting on everything.

Is this the meaning of marriage? If I knew, I would never have ventured in from the beginning!!

Suddenly my phone started ringing, it nearly gave me a panic attack because it was loud.

My hands trembled as I picked up the phone, Victor's name flashing on the screen like a warning sign. I hesitated, my heart racing, before answering.

"Y-yes?" I stammered, trying to hide the tears.

"Luna, where's my lunch?" Victor's voice boomed through the line, with no hint of concern or warmth.

I swallowed hard, fear crawling up my spine. "I-I forgot. I'm sorry."

"Forgot?" Victor's tone turned menacing. "You forgot? How could you be so careless?"

I bit back a sob, apologizing profusely. "I'll make it right away, Victor. I'll bring it to the office."

"See that you do," he growled. "I expect it within the hour."

The line went dead, and I crumpled, tears streaming down my face. But I knew I had to move. Victor's anger was a ticking time bomb, and I couldn't afford to trigger it further.

Rushing to the kitchen, I mechanically prepared his favorite sandwich, turkey and avocado, and packed it with chips and a drink. I did my makeup as usual to cover the bruises so no one would notice. My hands shook as I grabbed the bag and rushed out the door.

The drive to Victor's office felt like an eternity. My mind replayed all the times he'd lashed out, the bruises and broken promises. Why did I stay?

As I arrived at the office building, I took a deep breath and smoothed my hair, trying to compose myself. I couldn't let Victor see me weak.

I entered his office, head bowed, and placed the bag on his desk. "Your lunch, Victor."

He looked up from his computer, eyes narrowing. "About time."

I flinched at his tone but remained silent.

"Did you cry again?" Victor asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

I hesitated before answering. "No, Victor."

His gaze lingered on me as if searching for signs of weakness. "Good. I hate seeing you like that."

For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of remorse, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Get back home," Victor ordered, dismissing me. "And don't forget dinner."

I nodded, relief washing over me as I escaped his office.

But the fear lingered, a constant companion in my twisted marriage.

*

*

The next day, I trembled as I served Victor lunch in his office, still bruised from the previous night's beating. But I knew better than to show weakness in public.

As I poured his drink, the flask slipped from my grasp, shattering on the floor. I fell to my knees, begging.

"Please, Victor, I'm so sorry...I'll clean it up..."

Victor's face transformed, his anger replaced with concern. "Oh, sweet Luna, are you hurt?" He helped me up, his voice dripping with sweetness.

"I-I'm fine," I stuttered, still trembling.

Victor smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. I don't want anything to happen to you, my love."

The workers looked on, admiring our exchange. "You're so lucky to have such a caring husband," one of them said.

"I know, right?" Victor chimed in. "I spoil her rotten."

They all laughed, and I forced a smile, hiding my fear.

But as soon as we were alone in the car, Victor's mask slipped.

"You think you can embarrass me in public and get away with it?" he snarled, his hand connecting with my cheek.

I cowered, trying to protect myself, but Victor's blows kept coming.

When we arrived home, he dragged me to the bedroom, his anger unleashed.

I tried to defend myself, but it was no use. Victor's rage consumed me, and I felt a familiar pain in my abdomen.

I screamed, "Victor, stop! Please!"

But he wouldn't stop until I was bleeding, I lost another baby.

I lost consciousness, my world went dark, and I wished for death.

TBC