Silent Eyes

32, Silent Departure

As Monica and Andreas crashed into the house, Monica found herself upstairs, shutting the door behind her. Andreas, understanding Monica's need for privacy, decided to give her some space. However, Monica's mind was in turmoil. Her eyes darted around the room, and in a split second, she began frantically packing clothes into a suitcase.

She knew she couldn't stay here. The safety of the baby was her priority, and she needed time to think. But conflicting emotions tugged at Monica's heart, whispering, "You love him, you can't just leave him like this!" Monica paused, took a deep breath, and stared down at the chaotic mess of clothes in silence.

Suddenly, the door cracked open. Andreas had come to check on Monica, but when he noticed the scattered clothes and the packed suitcase, his eyebrows furrowed. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked, gripping the knob tightly. Monica whisked over, her wide eyes meeting his gaze. The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Andreas barged into the room, advancing towards Monica, who instinctively crawled away.

"Are you planning on leaving?" Andreas scoffed, his voice filled with disbelief. He turned his attention to the suitcase and forcefully knocked it aside. It slid across the floor, crashing against the wall, startling Monica. She locked eyes with Andreas and finally found her voice. "Listen, I don't believe staying here would be safe for the baby," she said. But Andreas slammed his fist against the wall, causing dust to fall from the ceiling, and his eyes grew dark. "What do you mean it wouldn't be safe for the baby?" he growled. "You're not leaving with my child, Monica. You're staying here, with me, far away from the outside world."

A surge of heat rushed through Monica's chest, and she defiantly replied, "Why would I want to stay with a man who could potentially put our life in danger?" Andreas smirked, a wicked grin spreading across his face, and Monica's fear intensified. "Monica!" he laughed, shaking his head. "Darling, you chose to be with me, and that means you're already in hell! Can't you see that?" His arms outstretched, emphasizing her perceived lack of options. "You have nowhere else to go!"

As Andreas laughed loudly, Monica sat there, staring up at him in silence. She pursed her lips and slowly rose to her feet. "That's not true," she said, clenching her fists. Andreas paused, his expression questioning. "What did you just say?" Taking a deep breath, Monica raised her voice. "I said, that's not true! I have my family back home! I do have somewhere to go, Andreas. And that place isn't with you." In an instant, Andreas was in her space. Monica barely had time to react before he pressed a hand to her face and squeezed violently. "You're not leaving!"

She managed to break free from his grasp, stepping away and rubbing her aching cheek. "You don't own me," Monica's voice trembled. "I don't want to cut you out of the baby's life. I just..." Her shoulders slumped, exhaustion evident in her demeanor. "Andreas, I can't live like this anymore!" She looked around, her arms dropping weakly. "This lifestyle is dangerous! I don't want our child growing up in a world of crime. I want them to be happy, playing with other kids and enjoying life!"

"I can't let them enjoy life here?" he asked. Monica pitifully smiled, her glossy eyes gazing up at the man she once loved so deeply. "Honey, you know that's not possible." Andreas lowered his face, concealing his emotions from her. She crouched down, cautiously stepping closer and softly whispered his name. "Andreas?" When he lifted his face again, it was as if he had transformed into someone else. "I do own you. You agreed to be with me, and as my wife, with my child, you will stay in my house and abide by my rules," he declared, his voice dropping.

Monica's frown deepened. "No, I will not."

In a swift and forceful motion, Andreas reached out and grabbed her arm, yanking her forward. He flung her into the closet, causing Monica to crash onto the floor. Looking up at Andreas, her eyes filled with fear and confusion. "What are you doing?" she choked out. He barked in her face, spit flying everywhere as veins bulged from his neck. "I SAID YOU'RE STAYING HERE!" he exploded. "And if you try to leave, I'll find you."