quickly. "Just..

et less tough," he said, nearly as though he wa

ked, not sure i

he responded,

ith Anthony as cameras flashed around us. But inside, I felt like a hollow shell. This was what was alleged to be a dream come true; ho

he big home windows, staring out at the Chicago skyline. The metropolis lights sparkled l

nthony asked, st

my voice barely

, the air among us thick with unstated words. As the car pulled a long way from the grand hall, I glanced back at the lifest

d, elevating his glass as the ca

ings," I echoe

e happy, to be in love, to be the appropriate bride in this perfect marriage. But as I walked into the suite, I observed Anthony already sitting in the lounge location, a tumbler of what app

stated, not looking fo

bout the night," he mut

with the bedroom. "What's wrong?" I

e turned out to be a few things in his eyes-a few issues dark and unp

if I heard him cor

ed, his voice cold and

ew sort of twisted comic stories. "Why must I crawl to yo

questions," he snapp

t a shaggy dog tale. My laughter died on my lips, and a knot of fear tig

ut he didn't seem to care. His strides were realistic as he approached me, and I discovered mysel

, what a

ol and something else-some factor that made my skin flow slowly. "You need to make me satisfied, don't you?

isn't what we agreed to," I stated, my voice shaking. "You said no strings attac

I'll determine what's to be finished

or protest. I pushed him away with all my power, stumbling again towards the

ith tonight?" he requested, his eyes sparkling with some factor that appeared dangero

g the partitions around me. "Ple

f me, grabbing my wrists and forcing me down onto my knees. "You ungrateful bitch," he spat, his voice v

ghtened his grip on my wrists. "

, his voice cold and harsh.

make me happy this night. After all, I've spent a lot on you." He d

ring in opposition to hi

ying? What the fuck are you crying for?" he shouted. "You cherished the lavish marriage ceremon

. I screamed, but he clamped and covered my mouth. "Shut up," he hissed.

gone. He changed into someone I could barely recognize in a second-a person who scared me. I thrashed towards him, m

wn on his palm as tough as I needed to, and he yelped in pain, jerking his hand away. I used the t

d, my voice cracking with