I cowered in the corner of the study, my body aching from Felix's earlier outburst. The bruises on my arms were still fresh, hidden beneath my long sleeves.

Felix took two steps forward, his eyes menacing. I pressed myself on the wall, wishing I could melt into the wall.

My life with Felix began like a fairy tale. We met at a local coffee shop where Felix, charming and successful, swept me off my feet. Our whirlwind romance led to a wedding just six months later. For the first year, our life together was blissful. Felix showered me with gifts.

But as the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The change was gradual at first. Felix began to question my whereabouts, checking my phone when I wasn't looking. He'd make "jokes" about my figure which made me feel small and insecure. Slowly, he convinced me to quit my job at the local art gallery, insisting that he could provide for them both.

By our second anniversary, Felix had isolated me from my friends. He cited concerns about their “bad influence” on me, manipulating me into believing that only he truly cared for my well-being. 

It was during this time that I discovered I was pregnant…..

“Then sign the contract,” Felix interrupted my thought, his voice dripping with malice. “What's so difficult about taking a pen and signing the papers?” he snapped, his mouth reeking of whisky. 

My voice quavered. “We're married, Felix, and we have a child.”

“Not for long,” Felix spat. “You'll be signing divorce papers too.”

My heart sank. “Divorce papers? First, you want me to sign a marriage contract with someone I don't know, and now you're offering me divorce papers. What about Pat?” 

Felix's eyes narrowed. “Pat? Oh, right, that kid.” He waved his hand dismissively. “Don't worry, you're taking her with you. I made sure of that.” His lip curled in disgust. “You two have been nothing but dead weight. I'm sick and tired of seeing your disgusting face every day.”

“You're making this difficult,” Felix continued, his tone softer but no less threatening. “Sign both papers. It's your loss if you don't – you'll be left with nothing.” He paused, his lip curled into a cruel smile. “You know what? I've found someone who deserves me.” He savored the moment. “And guess what? She's pregnant.”

The room spun as I tried to stand, but my legs wouldn't cooperate. “What do you mean, Felix?”

He laughed coldly. “Did you think a worthless woman like you would carry my child? Don't you understand how much I despise you?”

“What about Pat? You hate her too?” I screamed, desperation creeping in. “You didn’t even think about how she would feel. You’re a monster, Felix. I hate you.”

Felix raised his hands in a gesture to hit me.

“Mummy!” Pat's voice, small and terrified.

“Pat,” I responded weakly, trying to focus on her through tear-blurred vision.

My little girl ran towards me.

“Mummy!” Pat wailed, and I crawled to her, ignoring the pain in my battered body.

“Shh, it's okay, baby,” I murmured, pulling her close. “Mummy's here. We'll be alright.” I felt her tiny nod against my chest, her sobs quieting to hiccups.

“You know I only want what's best for you,” Felix said softly, his hand gentle on my shoulder. The tenderness made the threat in his words cut deeper. “You've never been good with money, Gemma. His fingers tightened slightly. "This contract ensures you and Pat will be taken care of

As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. I had nowhere else to go, and maybe this was an opportunity to escape the man who had threatened me weeks ago and start a new life with Pat. I prayed silently, hoping that I'd be married to a good man, for Pat's sake.

I stared at the papers, my mind racing. This was insane, but what choice did I have? Pat's face flashed in my mind. For her, I'd do anything. I read the pages thoroughlyand found the space for the Bridegroom's information was blank. I didn't bother asking Felix for more information; I knew he made me sign this for the money.

Taking a deep breath, I made my decision. With a steady hand that surprised even me, I signed the papers and pressed my thumbprint to the indicated spots.

Felix's lips twisted into a cruel smile. “That’s a good girl,” he purred, his fingers running through my hair. I suppressed a shudder, my skin crawling at his touch.

As soon as he left, a sob escaped my throat. I hated myself, I hated my life, and most of all, I hated that I couldn't see a way out.

*******************************************************************************

My eyes were burning from lack of sleep as I watched the hand of the clock strike six. A loud bang on the door made me flinch.

“Gemma, be done in thirty minutes,” Felix yelled.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, rushing through my routine. Ten minutes later, I emerged, exhausted and numb.

Pat was still sleeping. I felt a pang of sadness thinking about my 4-year-old daughter going through tough times.

"Pat, sweetheart," I whispered, gently waking her. “Time to get up. You need to have a shower.”

She stirred, rubbing her eyes with tiny fists. I scooped her up, inhaling her sweet, sleepy scent as we headed to the bathroom.

After we were done, Felix approached with a sly grin that made my stomach turn. He roughly adjusted my hair to hide the bruise he inflicted last night.

“Put on a smile,” he hissed through clenched teeth. "And behave yourself. Understood?"

I couldn't wait to leave this house. As I reached for the door, Pat's hand clutched tightly in mine, and Felix's voice stopped me cold.

“Don't even think about coming back,” he snarled. "I never want to see your faces again."

“We will never come back.” I retorted.

As we settled into the waiting car, a whirl of emotions swirled within me. Part of me rejoiced at finally escaping Felix's abuse, while another part trembled at the unknown future awaiting us.

What if my new husband was even worse? What if he resented Pat's presence?

“Mummy?” Pat's small voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Where are we going?”

I forced a smile, stroking her hair. “Somewhere nice, sweetie. Away from Daddy.”

Her brow furrowed in confusion. “We won't see Daddy again?”

“Yes, we won't,” I replied softly, my heart breaking at the mix of relief and sadness in her eyes.

Pat snuggled closer and fell back asleep as the car drove through unfamiliar streets. I gazed out the window, taking in the city views. After years of living in the countryside with Felix, the glimpse of city life was thrilling but also overwhelming.

The car came to an abrupt halt. “A shopping mall?” I muttered.

The man in the passenger seat turned to face me. “My boss has instructed us to ensure you're appropriately dressed before meeting him.”

I nodded, still dazed. “Oh.”

“Take this, ma'am,” he said, handing me a big black hat. “I've been instructed to keep your identity confidential until your engagement with the young master.”

We entered a private section of the mall, where a woman greeted us with a warm smile.

“Good morning, Mr. Mason.”

“Miss Becca, good morning,” Mason replied, kissing her hand.

Becca's eyes landed on me. “Ah, you must be Gemma.”

I widened my eyes in surprise, but Mason quickly reassured me. “Don't worry, she's part of our team. You're safe with her.”

“Hello, little one,” Becca cooed at Pat, who immediately shrank behind my legs.

I knelt beside my daughter, meeting her worried eyes. “It's okay, sweetheart. Mummy's here. We're going to try on some beautiful clothes. Would you like that?”

Pat nodded hesitantly, her grip on my hand loosening slightly.

Over the next hour, I was primped, styled, and dressed in clothes more expensive than anything I'd ever owned. When I faced the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The bruises were hidden, my hair shone, and the designer dress hugged my figure in a way that made me look... powerful.

“You look stunning,” Becca said, with genuine admiration in her voice.

I managed a slight smile, torn between appreciating her skill and feeling uncomfortable about my transformation.

We headed back to the car and drove to what I assumed was my new... home. Prison? I wasn't sure what to call it.

As we pulled up to a mansion, I saw a line of servants, both male and female, waiting to greet us. When I stepped out of the car, they all bowed their heads, making me feel uncomfortable.

“Mummy,” Pat whispered, her eyes wide with wonder, “where are we?”

I squeezed her hand reassuringly. “This is our new home, sweetheart.”

Pat's face beamed, but I was worried.

“Welcome, Gemma.”

The voice was warm, but it sent a chill down my spine. I turned to see who had spoken, and my heart nearly stopped. The man I'd been dreading stood right in front of me.

Was this real? Or was my mind playing tricks on me?