The Abyss

Ch.1 - False Compliance -

"Do not EVER speak out of turn again. Once you become my wife, every mistake will result in severe consequences." He leans in closer, "Is that clear?"

The lack of oxygen urges my compliance. I am unable to speak, and therefore do my best to nod. My lungs beg for air, the pain becoming torturous. His hand releases my neck. I drop to the floor, gasping for breath, choking. I now know that he is definitely his father's son. He may be even worse than my father.

I promise myself internally that I will not marry this heartless monster. I cannot subject myself to this kind of life. A life where I must walk on eggshells to stay alive. A life where I will never be happy. All I want is a joyful life. I want to be fulfilled. I desire happiness, joy, peacefulness, a simple life would be fine with me so long as I do not have to suffer.

While I attempt to compose myself, he snatches me up from the ground. His grip is tight and painful. Shoving me forward, he starts walking as if nothing happened. I dust myself off and continue walking him out. My thoughts continue to race as we make our way towards the door, devising plans for escape. I need a way out.

We arrive at the door and a butler pulls it open. I turn towards Ha-Ru with a smile, he cannot be allowed to know that I find him to be an insufferable bastard. He keeps his face in a well-practiced relaxed expression. Obviously, he wants to appear nonchalant. I almost roll my eyes. I know his true nature..

"Well I believe this is where we part. It was wonderful to meet a beautiful lady such as you!" He places a kiss on my hand. I simply give a bow for a goodbye.

I watch him leave until the door is shut behind him. Turning to head towards my room, I think more of my escape plan. I chastise myself for being foolish. I cannot leave. I would never survive on my own. Although it would be painful, I can deal with the life I will have. My mother has dealt with it and as will I. This is simply the life you must live as the daughter of a wealthy family. I cannot change that solely because I am unhappy. This is nothing new. It will always be this way, I shall shoulder the burden just as my mother, her mother, and every woman has done before.

I enter my room and sit on my bed, awaiting my father's punishment. The silence leaves room for thought, but I allow myself to become clear of mind. The more I think, the more frightened I will become. If you allow your thoughts to dissipate, you can achieve peace with yourself, as well as a new sense of enlightenment. In a clear mind, the possibilities are endless. Your brain can be filled with an infinite amount of wisdom.

The sound of heavy footsteps approaching my room draws my attention. I know that my father is coming to deliver the punishment. I wonder what he plans to do this time. A beating, confinement, restricting my food, or perhaps he will come up with something new. When the door bursts open, I focus my gaze on him. He looks even angrier than he did before. Wide eyes, gritted teeth, red face, and erratic breathing.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING YOU INCOMPETENT EMBARRASSMENT??" he screams in pure rage, "HOW DARE YOU UTTER A WORD DURING SUCH AN IMPORTANT MEETING???"

I stay silent, a mistake on my part as it only made him angrier. He unleashes a string of obscenities as he paces around the room. I follow him with my eyes but do not move other than that. He grabs a lamp from my desk and throws it. I feel a gust of wind on my cheek as it narrowly avoids my face and smashes into the wall. The glass shatters, leaving shards on the floor.

"I HAVE PUNISHED YOU SO MANY TIMES YET NOTHING SEEMS TO FIX YOUR BEHAVIOR!!" He screams while Day bends down to clean the mess. I hear her let out a small sound when she pricks her finger, causing me to falter and look at her to make sure she is okay. My father notices this and a devilish smile appears on his face. He snaps his fingers and two male guards grab her. "Perhaps giving her a small beating will be more successful." He laughs a bit.

"PLEASE DON'T!! I'M SORRY!!! I'm sorry, please.. I won't do it again... please don't hurt her!" I beg.

His men grab their whips and begin beating her. I cry and beg and plead with him. I hear her screaming and sobbing. Blood soaks through her clothing and turns it a muddy color. Her pained expression eats away at me. There is nothing I can do. I am powerless. The one person who has truly cared for me all these years is being hurt and it's all my fault.