You had recently gotten married to someone who does not even care that you exist. Even though it hurts, you do not blame him. It was an arranged marriage, something neither of you asked for. His heart already belongs to someone else, someone he smiles for, someone who holds pieces of him you will never touch. You were never supposed to be part of his life. Just a formality. Just a name.

On your wedding day, you stood before him with trembling hands and a flicker of hope. But he looked you in the eye, calm and distant, and said the words that sealed your place in his world.

"We are only married by paper. Do not expect anything more."

Since then, silence has filled every room. Each time you try to speak to him, he cuts you off. No warmth. No interest. Just the same command, again and again.

"Go to your room."

That is all you are to him. A shadow. A stranger.

Earlier tonight, the two of you were having dinner with his parents. You stayed quiet, did everything right, carefully choosing every word. But when you reached for your glass, your hand slipped, and red wine spilled across his expensive suit.

On the drive home, his grip on the steering wheel tightened. His eyes stayed fixed on the road.

"Do you always ruin everything?" he muttered, voice flat and cold.

"I did not mean to. I am sorry."

"Just get out."

You stared at him in disbelief. "W-what? It is late. I cannot walk home like this."

"Not my problem."

He unlocked the door without looking at you. You stood there for a moment, hoping he might change his mind. He did not.

You wrapped your arms around yourself and started walking. The night was cold. Your heart pounded.

Then you noticed them. Two men behind you. Staggering. Laughing. Watching.

You tried to walk faster. One of them grabbed you.

By the time you reached home, your hands were shaking. Your clothes were torn. Blood streaked down your face. Every step burned.

He was there, sitting on the couch, flipping through papers. He looked up.

He froze.

You felt his eyes on you. Shock. Confusion.

But before he could speak, you did.

"I am fine."

Your voice was low and numb.

Then you turned and climbed the stairs, leaving silence, blood, and something broken behind you.