The breaking point

Savannah woke up to the sound of soft knocking on her door. She rubbed her eyes, still puffy from crying the night before. The room was dim, the heavy curtains blocking out most of the morning sunlight.

“Come in,” she said, her voice hoarse.

One of the maids entered quietly, carrying a tray with breakfast. The smell of fresh coffee and warm croissants filled the room, but Savannah’s stomach churned. She had no appetite.

“Good morning, Mrs. Wolfe,” the maid said, placing the tray on a small table by the window.

Savannah forced a small smile. “Thank you.”

The maid hesitated before leaving, glancing at Savannah as if she wanted to say something. “Are you alright, ma’am? You seem... tired.”

Savannah shook her head. “I’m fine. Thank you.”

The maid nodded and left, closing the door softly behind her. Savannah stared at the untouched breakfast, her mind racing.

The events of the previous day played on a loop in her head. Dominic’s coldness, Sophia’s smugness—it all made her feel so small, so powerless. She hated it.

She couldn’t let this continue.

After a long shower, Savannah dressed in a simple blue dress and pulled her hair into a loose braid. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, searching for the woman she used to be—the one who had dreams, strength, and hope.

She barely recognized herself.

Later that morning, Savannah wandered into the garden. The cool breeze and scent of blooming flowers did little to ease the storm in her heart. She sat on a stone bench, staring at the fountain in the center of the garden.

Dominic had promised her nothing. She knew that. But she hadn’t expected him to be so cruel, so dismissive of her feelings.

As she sat there, lost in thought, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Sophia strolling toward her.

Sophia was as poised and confident as ever, dressed in a flowing white dress that seemed to glow in the sunlight. Her lips curled into a smirk as she approached.

“Enjoying the garden?” Sophia asked, her tone dripping with mockery.

Savannah stood, unwilling to let Sophia look down on her. “Yes, I am,” she replied evenly.

Sophia’s smile widened. “It’s a lovely space. I’ve spent many afternoons here... with Dominic.”

The implication was clear, and it stung. Savannah clenched her fists at her sides, refusing to give Sophia the satisfaction of a reaction.

Sophia stepped closer, tilting her head as she studied Savannah. “You’re a pretty little thing,” she said. “I can see why Dominic chose you. But don’t think for a second that you matter to him.”

Savannah’s heart raced with anger, but she kept her voice steady. “You seem very confident for someone who isn’t his wife.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed, the smirk slipping from her face. “Don’t mistake a piece of paper for power, dear. Dominic and I have history, something you’ll never understand.”

Savannah lifted her chin, meeting Sophia’s gaze. “History doesn’t mean loyalty.”

Sophia laughed, a cold, sharp sound that echoed through the garden. “Oh, you’re adorable. But let me give you some advice: don’t get too comfortable. You’re replaceable.”

Savannah’s stomach twisted, but she didn’t back down. “I think we’re done here.”

She turned and walked away, leaving Sophia standing by the fountain. Her hands trembled as she clenched them into fists, but she didn’t look back.

That afternoon, Savannah sat in the library, trying to distract herself with a book. The words blurred on the page, her mind too clouded to focus.

The sound of the front door opening caught her attention. She heard voices—Dominic’s deep baritone and Sophia’s laughter.

Savannah’s grip on the book tightened. She didn’t want to see them together again, but curiosity got the better of her. Quietly, she stepped out of the library and peeked into the hallway.

Dominic and Sophia stood near the entrance, talking in low tones. Sophia’s hand rested casually on his arm, her body language intimate and familiar.

Savannah’s chest tightened. She felt like an outsider in her own home.

“Let’s go out tonight,” Sophia said, her voice carrying a playful lilt. “It’s been ages since we had a proper evening together.”

Dominic smiled, a rare expression that made Savannah’s stomach drop. “Alright. I’ll have the car brought around.”

Sophia beamed, leaning in to kiss him lightly on the cheek.

Savannah stepped back, her heart pounding. She didn’t want to see anymore.

By the time evening came, Savannah was in her room, trying to hold herself together. She had heard the sound of Dominic and Sophia leaving, their laughter echoing through the halls.

She felt trapped, powerless to change her situation.

But as the hours passed, a thought began to take root in her mind. If Dominic wouldn’t respect her as his wife, she would have to make him.

She couldn’t continue to be a passive bystander in her own life.

The clock struck midnight when Savannah heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. She peeked through her window and saw Dominic and Sophia stepping out. They looked carefree, as if they didn’t have a care in the world.

Savannah clenched her jaw, her anger simmering beneath the surface. She couldn’t keep living like this.

Moments later, she heard voices in the hallway.

“Are you staying the night?” Dominic asked, his tone casual.

“Of course,” Sophia replied. “Unless your little wife has a problem with it.”

Dominic laughed, a cold, dismissive sound that made Savannah’s blood boil.

She heard their footsteps heading upstairs, and then the sound of a door closing.

Savannah sat on her bed, her mind racing.

She couldn’t let this continue.

Dominic might think he held all the power, but Savannah was done being the quiet, obedient wife. She didn’t know how she would do it, but she would find a way to take back control of her life.

As the house fell silent, Savannah stared out the window, her fists clenched.

This isn’t over, she thought, determination blazing in her chest.

And for the first time in weeks, she felt a spark of hope.

She would fight.

And she would fight.