Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 7

Emily found it challenging to concentrate on doing the dishes. Her fever had risen after the events of the previous night when Mark had harmed her. The scars on her body were now visible due to the singlet she was wearing. She yearned to confide in someone, but she had no one left. All her friends had been driven away by Mark after their marriage, leaving her isolated and alone.

In a different memory, Emily was sitting with Miller and Chris, laughing and joking with each other, creating a cheerful atmosphere. However, their camaraderie was disrupted when Mark entered the room.

"Hey, Mark, come and join us!" Miller called to him. Mark hesitated, his gaze locked on Emily. He felt a surge of irritation at the sight of her with other men. They had only been married for a month, and he couldn't fathom why she was spending time with these men. He approached them, trying to conceal his displeasure.

"What are you all talking about?" he inquired, feigning interest as he watched the cards on the table.

"We're discussing and playing cards," Chris replied.

"Oh, cards," Mark responded, picking up a card and attempting to engage. "I'm not skilled at playing them."

"I can teach you, honey," Emily offered.

"You know how to play?" Mark asked, genuinely surprised.

"Yes, Emily used to be our champion when we played games among ourselves," Miller chimed in, placing his hand on Emily's shoulder in support.

A card slipped from Mark's fingers and fell onto the table. He observed Miller's hand on Emily's shoulder and couldn't contain his jealousy. He couldn't comprehend why Emily, a married woman, allowed another man to touch her.

"Is that so?" he inquired, trying to compose himself. He fixed his gaze on Emily, who was smiling shyly at him. "Perhaps you could teach me the art of cards at home," he suggested, reaching for her hand on the table.

The other men observed in silence, and Miller withdrew his hand from Emily's shoulder. Emily gasped when Mark took her hand, pulling it closer to him, and kissed her fingers. "The meeting is about to start. I'll join you all later. Have a great time," he said before leaving the room, closing the door gently and smiling at them.

---

Emily and Mark returned to their house, and Emily hung her coat on the rack before heading to the bedroom, with Mark following closely behind. Mark sat on the bed, placing his Bible and study materials on the bedside table.

"It was such a spirit-filled worship today," Mark commented with a smile. "You are truly a blessed singer."

Emily mirrored the smile but was visibly nervous. "Thank you so much," she replied, "it's a privilege to serve."

"Honey, the way you sang today touched my heart deeply," Mark continued, gazing at her. "You have a special gift, your voice is absolutely amazing..."

Emily blushed at the compliment. "I'm humbled by your words, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to sing."

Mark's attention shifted to her as she began to undress. Her body was exposed, and he couldn't help but notice her beauty. He became lost in thought, his desire building.

"Honey... Honey..." Emily called, snapping her fingers in front of him. Mark snapped out of his daydream and looked at his wife.

"Sorry, I think you were lost for a moment," she said to him. "I said I enjoyed the sermon today. It was so full of life. God bless you for everything you do for the church."

Mark relaxed on the bed, his gaze still lingering on her. "What can I say? It's God's calling," he replied, his thoughts wandering as he looked at her exposed skin.