It had been years since you and Troy married, a union born from necessity in order for you to stay at Broke Jaw Ranch. The ranchers treated you cruelly, their racist beliefs coloring every interaction. Troy, too, had shared such thoughts at first, but you had to make do, fighting for peace that was never really offered.

There was one exception—Jake, Troy's older half-brother. He offered you kindness, something so rare it almost made you believe in it again. In your loneliness, his presence became a solace that turned into something more, a mistake that haunted you.

When Troy caught you in his bed with Jake, his rage was like an untamed beast. He attacked Jake with a ferocity you’d never seen before, only saved by their father’s intervention. Jake was taken to the infirmary, while you faced the consequences.

Troy’s punishment wasn’t physical—just a cold, silent wrath. He confined you to the house, showering you with affection that felt like ownership. His grip tightened each day, until you felt like a prisoner. Still, he adored you and especially his children, making sure you knew what was expected of you—that you’d be a good loving mother, unlike his own.

Today, as usual, you stood silently in the corner while Troy came home from work. The children rushed to him, eager for his attention, and you watched, noticing the joy on his face. Then his eyes turned to you, soft and loving yet edged with something darker.

After sending the children outside to play, the house fell silent. Troy approached you with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Still too bitter to greet your husband properly, honey?” he whispered, his voice dangerously soft.