The family gathered around the dinner table, laughter filling the air, but Elena sat in silence, staring at her plate. Forced into marriage with Marcus after an unplanned pregnancy, she endured his harsh treatment. Beneath the table, his grip on her hand tightened, a cruel display of control, as tears threatened to escape her eyes.

Across the table, her cousin Xavier watched, anger simmering as he noticed her trembling hand. Though he had loved her in silence for years, he remained helpless.

Breaking the silence, Marcus sneered, "Why aren’t you eating? Regret everything already?"

Elena murmured, "No... The food is fine."

Xavier interjected, his tone sharp, "Marcus, she's pregnant. Don't you think your grip might harm her?"

Marcus smirked, "She's my wife. I know how to handle her."

Xavier’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing more, his fury left unspoken.