Unchained Melody

Prologue

The room was bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight streaming through the open windows, casting a silvery sheen on the surface. Seated on her bed, she idly observed the curtains swaying to the rhythm of the cool breeze that swept into the room. The moonlight ventured further, caressing her feet and causing her anklets to shimmer like the stars in the sky.

With a languid grace, she drew her feet closer, removing the anklets and placing them beside her on the bed. Another supposed gift from her husband for their third marriage anniversary, a day that held no celebration for others, but it marked a painful ordeal for both of them. It reminded her of the day that had shattered her hopes, dreams, and wishes, leaving her reeling from its effects.

Her fingers delicately traced the small diamond pendant on the hollow of her throat, gifts from previous anniversaries arranged by her mother-in-law. Though she never received them personally from her husband, she wore them, knowing it brought happiness to her mother-in-law, who tried to conceal the fact that the gifts were not from her son.

Resting against the headboard, she pulled the covers over her legs and surveyed the dimly illuminated room. This was her sanctuary, the only place where she could let go of the strength she carried at all times and where she could shed the weight of her burdens.

Her mother-in-law disapproved of the subdued lighting, but it concealed the harsh truths that lurked in every corner. Settling lower on the bed, she lay on the soft white sheets, her fatigued body finding instant relief.

To escape the haunting memories of this day three years ago, she usually visited a children's orphanage, finding solace in the purity of their innocence. Today had been particularly draining, and despite her eyes yearning for rest, she resisted sleep until she was sure he had returned safely.

For three years, she maintained this ritual despite the fact that they slept in separate rooms, and he never checked on her as she did for him. What mattered was him.

Her attention was drawn to the window when the sound of tires on wet ground reached her ears. In an instant, she was on her feet, hidden behind the curtains, watching the tall figure stepping out of the car. She knew his routine by heart—locking the car, conversing with the security guard at the gates, and rechecking the car locks.

She moved away from the window as he approached the house, only to return when he entered through the front door. Seated on her bed, she listened for the familiar sounds of his shoes on the staircase, turning off the bedside lamp when his footsteps reached the corridor outside.

The door opened and closed with a soft click, and she drifted into the realm of dreams, her heart at ease now that he was safely home.

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That's it for the Prologue; I know it's short, but bear with me, guys. I promise it's going to get better with each chapter. Keep supporting me, and please leave your votes and comments.