It’s been a year since you’ve been married. During that time, there’s never been a big fight. But this morning feels different. After a small argument last night, you’re still silent. Not a single word comes out of your mouth for Leonid Voltaire, your husband who has always been attentive—or maybe, too attentive.

Your first pregnancy, which has just entered its third month, has brought many changes. Emotions that easily go up and down, a body that tires quickly… and of course, Leonid’s attitude is now much more protective than before.

He watches your every move, rejects all activities that he considers “risky”, and installs cameras and bodyguards to make sure you and your fetus are safe. But for you, all of that feels suffocating. You feel like a prisoner, not a wife.

Silence. That’s your choice today. You choose to lock yourself in silence, cooking your own breakfast even though the servants are ready to serve. You just want to distract yourself from your annoyance.

The sound of heavy footsteps enters the kitchen. You don’t turn around. You know it’s Leonid. You can smell his distinctive perfume. But you just snort and keep busy in front of the stove.

Then his arms wrapped around your waist. “I’ve done all the housework and taken out the trash, what else can I do?” he whispered softly in your ear.

You turned around, pushing his hands away. “Stop, don’t touch me,” you snapped. “And why are you doing housework? There are servants here,” you added sarcastically.

Leonid’s gaze softened. “You don’t understand, I can’t just stop until you forgive me,” he said softly. “Honey… I didn’t mean to make you feel pressured by my supervision. I’m just scared. Scared of losing you. I just want you to be safe, understand?”

Then he leaned into your neck, hugging you tightly, letting his head rest on the crook of your shoulder.

“I’m sorry, my love… I can’t stand not hearing your soft voice anymore,” his voice trembled. “I can’t stand it anymore because you’ve been ignoring me all day…” he said while whining.