chapter 4

Sierra pov...

His eyes bore into mine, cold and empty. Every step he took sent a chill down my spine, filling the room with an oppressive silence that suffocated me. He was terrifying, cruel—a shadow I couldn't escape, no matter how hard I tried.

As he turned and walked away, his parting words echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the power he held over me. I was only eighteen, and for a fleeting moment, I thought maybe I was safe. But I knew better. I wasn't safe, not here.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm the storm inside me. My hands trembled as they rested on my chest, feeling my heart race with fear. What would he do to me next? The question hung in the air, heavy and terrifying.

Would he grow bored and throw me away like a broken doll? The thought sent a cold shiver down my spine. I squeezed my eyes tighter, desperately trying to imagine a future where I could escape him. But the more I tried, the further that dream slipped away.

The sharp click of the door jolted me back to reality. My heart leaped into my throat as I heard his footsteps coming closer. My body froze, fear paralyzing me as his voice cut through the silence.

"Get up," he ordered. His tone was sharp, filled with authority. I couldn't move. Fear held me in place, gripping me like chains.

"I said, get up!" he shouted, making me flinch. My gaze stayed on the floor, refusing to meet his eyes.

"Look at me."

Reluctantly, I lifted my head, my eyes meeting his cold, penetrating stare. The look in his eyes chilled me to the core.

"Come, you need a bath."

He grabbed my hand, his grip firm and unrelenting as he pulled me toward the door. My heart raced as I saw the exit just ahead. Without thinking, I lashed out, kicking him with all the strength I could muster, aiming for his weak spot.

I bolted for the door, adrenaline surging through me. I could almost taste freedom, so close I could feel it. But then, a sharp pain shot through my scalp as he yanked me back by my hair, sending me crashing to the ground.

"You stupid bitch."

His fist connected with my stomach, and the pain exploded in my body, knocking the wind out of me. I gasped, my vision blurring from the impact. I didn't know if I had the strength to stand, but I had to try.

He grabbed my face, forcing me to look at him, his gaze filled with anger and possessiveness.

"I keep telling you, my love, you're my wife. Wives listen to their husbands, so you'll do everything I say."

Something inside me snapped. A defiant fire sparked in my chest, and I did the only thing I could think of. I laughed in his face, a bitter, hollow sound. Then I spat in his direction, the anger boiling over.

"If you want love, you have to earn it. You can't force it," I said, my voice trembling but strong.

His hand lashed out, slapping me hard across the cheek. The sting radiated through my face, but I held his gaze, refusing to back down.

"No, babe, you belong to me. You'll learn to respect your husband soon enough."

He grabbed my hair again, dragging me across the floor toward a dark corner of the room. My heart pounded as dread settled over me. I didn't know what was coming, but I knew it would be bad.

"Take your clothes off. It's time to bathe."

My body trembled uncontrollably as I hugged myself, terrified at the thought of being so vulnerable in front of him. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe.

He walked toward me, his smile twisted with cruelty. His hand brushed my hair with a mockery of tenderness.

"Would you like me to help you?" he asked, his voice dripping with false sweetness.

I shook my head, refusing with every ounce of strength I had left.

"Do as I say, or there will be consequences."

I stood slowly, tears filling my eyes as I tried to comply. With trembling hands, I began to undress, each piece of clothing feeling like another layer of my soul being stripped away. I was terrified—of him, of what would happen next, of everything.

Suddenly, I felt his hands on my shoulders, cold and possessive. He leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear.

"You're beautiful, my dear. I'll show you what it means to be a woman."

Panic surged through me, but I had nowhere to run. His hands began to roam over my body, and I felt the sickening reality of the situation sink in.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out what was happening, praying for it to end.