Chapter 9

Emmeline’s POV

Hot tears of frustration and fear filled my eyes as my family’s reputation was my biggest weakness, even though they’d selfishly abandoned me to this abusive hell with Richard long ago. “I hate you with every fiber of my being!” I whispered hoarsely, barely able to force the words out past the lump in my throat.

I squeezed my eyes shut tightly, bracing myself as his fist drew back, ready to strike me again. But the expected impact never came.

Instead, he grabbed my arm in a painfully tight grip that was sure to leave finger-shaped bruises and dragged me out of the kitchen and down the hallway, ignoring my futile attempts to dig my heels into the floor.

“I’ll teach you how to properly respect and love your husband like a good wife should, in the bedroom where you belong!” he said in a tone thick with dark promise that made my stomach churn with dread.

All my momentary courage and defiance instantly vanished like smoke.

My eyes