An insult

SELENA'S POV

I stirred on the bed, still feeling the exhaustion from the previous day's event, opening my eyes I realized it was morning already. I yawned as I struggled to get out of bed. My body ached, I assumed it was because I was stressed by the party of the previous day. my mind raced to Fred, it seemed he did not return last night and I wondered where he could have been. As I wondered in my thoughts, I heard steps walking into the room and raising my head. It was Fred.

Fred walked into the room as I motioned to get up from the bed. He was trying to get ready. He had had his bath as it seemed he woke up earlier and was just about to get dressed. He returned at night when I was still asleep.

" Hi," I said but did not get a response. Fred headed for the bathroom as though he did not hear me. He had gone to pick something but I did not care.

" Oh you are back, I did not hear you come in, I said again as I yarned expressing how exhausted I was. My face was weary with exhaustion as my body ached. still trying to wake up, I stared at Ryan expecting a response to what I said.

" you were fast asleep when I returned I wonder if not anyone sleeps like a piece of log." He replied trying to cream his body. He asked what I had done that I was exhausted looking at me with disdain I explained that I had a busy day because of the event and it had been a big deal and could have been the cause of the tiredness.

"Lazy bones, you should be up and ready in 30 minutes. No excuses" We are having breakfast with the family." Fred yelled at me as he instructed me to get ready. this time he was already done getting dressed and motioned to get downstairs for breakfast.

" I am not lazy, just tired," I said a little louder so he could hear me, I was tired of Fred bullying me at every giving opportunity and had to make my point.

" You are working for me, you should address me with respect. Fred turned and gazed at me as he walked towards me. He pointed to me as he spoke and I wondered how anyone could address a lady in that manner. I stared at him as he talked with my face indifferent.

" I do not get up early, this is when I wake up" I replied already annoyed by his response as I walked away from him. I was never an early riser and I had tried to be on my best behavior but it was not enough for Fred.

"You are supposed to be my wife, you should learn to do better on everything, I cannot have you shaming my name because of your incompetence. I do not want to talk to you about it again. " He said as he peered into my eyes, I looked at him as he spoke with such arrogance. It was not his fault, I needed the money so he could do whatever he liked.

Angry about how he responded to me I wanted to remain on the bed throughout the day but decided against it as I had not been paid and did not want anything to jeopardize the contract.

Fred was rude and arrogant and cared only about himself and it bothered me as I felt helpless in the situation. I needed this money and I just had to endure for a while. It was going to be over soon. It was a matter of time

I got off the bed and headed for the bathroom reassuring myself it would be all over soon. I took a warm bath dressed up in a homely dress and headed downstairs.

Sitting farther from his usual spot, down I sat at the et dining table as I was serving. I avoided his gaze as he walked down to eat

I wondered why he was not at the dining before me but it did not bother me. I just wanted to have some food and rest. He walked to where I was sitting and whispered into my ears.

Expecting that it was something important I listened with keen interest

" Why are you dressed shabbily."His words hit me and I tried to hide my hurt by faking a smile. I giggled as he spoke to hide my hurt. Everyone stared at me admiring our posture thinking he was whispering lovely words to my ears.

" Shabbily!!!!! This was one of my favorite dresses, I had gotten this dress for a fair price in London at the point where they resold dresses people did not want anymore. It was clean and nice and I was home for God's sake. Fred was unbelievable

" How was I supposed to be dressed!!! I muttered hoping no one heard me as I tried to eat the meal served. It was nice but I was not in the mood for anything. Fred had ruined my appetite that morning with his words. He knew how to hurt me with them.

I smiled at everyone as he sat close to me as he was served. Angered by his actions, I focused on my meal trying not to cause a scene. Fred's mother noticed I was not having my food and observed me for a while. She blurted out when she could not hold it anymore.

" Are you okay?" Fred's mother asked me as she noticed I was barely having my food.

" I am fine" I replied as Fred turned to stare at me.

" She is fine, probably tired from last night," Fred said as he turned to me for an affirmative for what he had just said.

I replied in the affirmative, it was going to be over soon. I just had to play along.