Weeks of strain
Weeks had passed, and Annabelle found herself in a peculiar situation, one that was far from the blissful life she had once imagined when she married Edwards. It seemed that whenever she was alone with Sherly, her husband's cousin, she had to endure a barrage of insults and humiliations. But Annabelle chose to let these affronts slide, hoping that the storm would eventually pass. Unfortunately, things were no longer favorable for her within the household, especially after Sherly had reported her to Edwards' mother.
Once a sweet and caring mother-in-law, Edwards' mother had now turned hostile towards Annabelle. She could only assume that Sherly had filled her ears with all sorts of lies, further eroding her already strained relationship with her husband's family. What hurt Annabelle the most was her inability to defend herself due to the so-called evidence Sherly claimed to possess. Still, she clung to reasons to stay, determined not to give up on her marriage.