Chapter 5

As William forced himself on her, Sophia felt her world shatter into a million pieces. She had always believed in the sanctity of love and the power of intimacy, but now she knew that it was all a lie. 

Tears streamed down her face as William finished, leaving her lying there, broken and alone. She had lost her innocence, and she knew that nothing would ever be the same again.

William stood up, straightening his clothes as she lay on the bed, broken and bruised. She couldn't believe what had just happened.

"Go clean yourself up," William spat, adjusting himself as he strode towards the door. "And don't you dare leave this room."

Sophia lay there for what felt like hours, unable to move or speak. She felt violated and empty, like a shell of the person she used to be. Now she knew that William was nothing more than a monster.

As she managed to stand up, her legs shaking, she stumbled towards the mirror. She didn't recognize the face that stared back at her – bruised and swollen, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Her tears fell like rain as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. The bruises on her skin seemed to pulse with pain, a constant reminder of what had just happened. She felt dirty, violated, and utterly disgusted with herself.

The scent of William was all over her body, choking her senses. She couldn't bear the thought of being married to a monster.

She stepped into the shower, turning on the water as hot as it would go. The heat felt good against her skin, soothing some of the ache from the bruises and cuts that covered her body.

She grabbed a washcloth and scrubbed herself fiercely, trying to wash away the scent of William that seemed to cling to her skin. The water ran red as she washed away the blood from the cuts, but she didn't care. She just wanted to be clean again.

As she finished scrubbing herself, she took a deep breath and turned off the water. She wrapped herself in a towel and looked at herself in the mirror again. 

The bruises were still there, the pain was still there. Nothing was ever going to be the same again.

She came out of the bathroom as she looked at the bed, noticing the blood spots on the sheets. William had taken her virginity, and he hadn't cared enough to be gentle.

She was left with physical and emotional scars that would take a long time to heal. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Sophia, it's Andrew. William is out, can I come in?" Andrew whispered as he talked to Sophia from outside.

Sophia's heart raced as she heard Andrew's voice outside the door. She didn't know if she was ready to face him yet, but a part of her also knew that she needed to talk to someone, anyone.

She hesitated for a moment, then stood up and opened the door. Andrew stood outside, looking worried and concerned.

"Sophia, are you okay?" he asked, taking in her bruised and bloodied appearance.

Sophia shook her head, tears streaming down her face. She didn't trust herself to speak, so she just nodded and stepped aside, letting Andrew into the room.

Andrew's heart sank as he took in the blood spotting on the bed. He knew immediately what it meant - William had abused her.

"I'm so sorry Sophia," he said as he turned to her. 

"Andrew, no," she said softly, shaking her head. "It's not your fault. You didn't make William do what he did. He made his own choices."

Andrew looked at her, his eyes filled with pain and guilt.

"I know," he said softly. "But if I hadn't shown you around the house and taken you to my studio, maybe this wouldn't have happened.

Andrew tried to place his hands on Amelia's shoulder to comfort her, but she flinched away from his touch.

She pulled away from his touch, her body language communicating her discomfort and distress. He quickly withdrew his hands, realizing that he had overstepped.

"Don't touch me," she said sharply, her voice strained.

Andrew withdrew his hand, a look of concern on his face.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Sophia looked at him, her expression pained.

"It's not you," she said, her voice trembling. "It's just...I don't want you to touch me right now."

Andrew nodded, understanding now why she had reacted that way.

"I understand," he said. "I won't touch you again without your permission."

"I appreciate that," she said, her voice shaking. "But I think...I think I need some time alone right now."

Andrew nodded, his expression filled with concern.

"Of course," he said. "Take all the time you need.

"Thank you," she whispered. "Please go now."

Andrew gave her a small nod before turning to leave the room, closing the door quietly behind him. 

Sophia sat on the edge of her bed and brought out her phone from her purse. 

She sniffed as she went through her gallery, her eyes filling with tears as she saw pictures of her and her father, memories flooding back to her. 

He was her rock, her protector, and the only person she could truly confide in. He had passed away a few years ago and she missed him dearly.

"I miss you so much, dad," she sobbed. "If only you were here, I wouldn't be in this mess."

Sophia knew that her father would have never let her marry someone like William, who was abusive and controlling. 

She dropped her phone and let out a deep sigh as she stood up from the bed and removed the bed spread cause it was filled with blood spotting. 

The room door suddenly burst open. She froze as William stormed into the room, he carried with him two bags, with a fake smile plastered on his face. 

"Here darling," he said, his voice dripping with a false sweetness. "I brought you these nice outfits. I'm going to show you off."

Sophia's heart raced as she looked at him, fear taking over her body. He had hurt her, abused her, and now he was acting like nothing had happened.

He walked closer to her, his eyes fixed on her with a disturbing intensity. Sophia shivered as she moved away from him, trying to put as much distance between them as possible.

She looked up at him, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps as she stammered out the words, "Please.. I… I don't wa..want this." Her voice shaking.

William's face twisted in anger. "What did you say to me, you ungrateful whore? I saved your sister's life and this is how you repay me?" he shouted.