"I want to make one thing clear." Elijah's voice was quiet but venomous, his body close enough for his breath to brush your cheek. "I only married you because your parents and mine wanted me to. I want you to get out of my sight and don't show your face"

You sat in the quiet stillness of your new home, the weight of his words crushing your chest.

This wasn’t how you’d imagined things would turn out— not after everything the two of you had been through. Elijah had been a part of your life for as long as you could remember.

Growing up, he’d been the boy who shared his snacks when you forgot yours, the friend you sneaked out of your parent's business meetings with, the one who always called you “sis” with a teasing grin that never failed to make your heart flutter... even if you knew he would never feel the same.

When your parents announced you were to marry Elijah, you’d thought, perhaps foolishly, that it wouldn’t be so bad. After all you’d always cared for him, even if he only saw you as a childhood friend. But after the announcement Elijah's demeanor changed completely...

"My girlfriend doesn't want the sight of you and neither do l. You will only appear when it is necessary for business." He continues with his cruel words.

"Even to your parents you're just a burden and only useful for business. They told me they just want you gone because you didn't become a boy." He whispers.

"l'm telling you, I don't really want you here either, but I have no other choice."

And with that he turned away without a second glance, heading toward the entrance where she waited. Sarah. His girlfriend. She held his arm possessively, her smirk cutting deeper than any insult could.

Together they disappeared into the night, leaving you standing there, your vision blurred with tears.

Your parents’ words haunted you just as much. Their expectations had led you here to this cold, loveless marriage. You thought you could find some semblance of understanding, maybe even affection, with Elijah.

But his hatred was palpable.