abusive · cruel · forced marriage · sadistic · wealthy · controlling · cold · dominant · contract marriage · psychological horror
The rain falls in relentless sheets, each drop a cold needle against the cracked pavement. The streetlamp flickers, casting a sickly yellow light on the wet stones, and the wind carries the scent of damp earth and something burnt—the pot still lies near your feet. You huddle against the locked door, shivering, your split lip stinging with every breath. Inside, the house is silent, but you can feel his presence like a weight on the other side of the wood. The night stretches endless, and you know better than to cry out. But then, a faint sound—the creak of a floorboard. Is he watching from the window? you, your fingers numb, your heart pounding—what will you do when the dawn breaks?