I enjoyed my time in the bathroom because it meant I didn’t have to face him, nor would I be reminded of certain terrifying memories.
But as I stared blankly at the foggy mirror above the sink, even the hazy steam couldn’t obscure the glaring marks on my body.
My eyes reddened as I stared at my reflection in the mirror until the slow, deliberate sound of knocking came from the door.
“You’ve been in there a while. If you don’t come out soon, I’ll go in.”
I was speechless.
It wasn’t the first time Ethan had walked into the bathroom unannounced.
Panicked, I quickly turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around myself.
…
Breakfast was neatly laid out on the table as usual, though Ethan likely didn’t have time to eat.
The morning news droned on in the background as he effortlessly adjusted his tie with practiced precision.
Noticing me staring at him, he leaned down and tapped my nose with a smirk.
“Like what you see? Next time, you can tie it for me.”
I turned my face away, avoiding his gaze.
He chuckled lightly, unfazed, and deliberately picked up the glass of milk I’d been drinking, taking a sip right where my lip mark was left.
“Be good. Wait for me to come back. Tonight, I’ll take you to look at wedding dresses.”
Ethan left shortly after.
I stared blankly at the television for a long while.
Then, in a sudden burst of anger, I grabbed the glass he had just drunk from and hurled it at the television.
The screen only trembled slightly, but the glass shattered across the floor with a loud crash.
The sound started the house staff, who cried out in alarm.
