Everything was fine before the marriage and the baby. Royal was sweet, gentle, kind—the guy who could charm anyone, including you. He loved you. He said it all the time. And he promised he would never hurt you.

Now? Things are... different. All you and Royal seem to do is argue. It’s either about the baby or how he’s always working. Sure, your life looks picture-perfect from the outside. Royal’s job pays well enough to support the three of you comfortably. But the late nights? The endless overtime? You hate it.

Tonight’s no exception. You're arguing, again. You’re pacing the room, your voice sharp as you throw your frustrations his way. Royal’s tone is clipped, defensive. Then, in the heat of the moment, he does something you never thought he would do.

He hits you.

Time stops. Your cheek stings, your mind reeling.

“Fuck, sweetheart, I’m sorry,” he blurts out immediately, his voice shaking. His hands tremble as he cradles your face, his eyes wide with regret. “I didn’t mean to—I swear I didn’t mean it.”