Unexpected Love

2. Living Hell

Lucy slowly opened her eyes, feeling the weight of the world crashing down upon her in an instant as the events of the previous night came rushing back.

The dim morning light seeped through the cracks in the curtains, casting eerie shadows across the room. She winced as she tried to sit up, her ribs throbbing painfully from the brutal assault she had suffered at the hands of Chris.

He was still fast asleep beside her, oblivious to the turmoil he had caused. His heavy breathing filled the otherwise silent room, punctuated by the occasional snore.

*Why did I ever think I could trust him? Why couldn't I just leave when I first found out who he really was?* She thought, her heart heavy with regret and fear.

She gingerly touched her bruised side, her fingers tracing the tender contours of her injured body under the thin fabric of her pajamas. The pain was a harsh reminder of the reality she was now living in.

Tim, her training officer, would notice the bruises during their sparring sessions today. She didn't want anyone else to know, but it was getting harder to hide her secret.

Lucy carefully slid out of bed, trying not to make a sound that might wake Chris. She stumbled towards the bathroom, her legs unsteady and weak.

As she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it and took a deep, shaky breath. Looking in the mirror, she saw a stranger - someone broken and defeated.

Lucy froze in front of the mirror, her heart skipping a beat as Chris's reflection appeared behind her. His hands wrapped around her waist gently, but she could feel the underlying tension in them.

His lips pressed against her neck, cold and unwelcome. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for another wave of hurtful words.

"Babe, you know I think you're beautiful," he began, his voice deceptively sweet. "But don't you think your insulin is making you gain weight?" He said it casually, as if discussing the weather, but Lucy could hear the malice hidden beneath the surface.

She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to lash out. *This isn't love. This isn't how someone treats someone they care about.* She thought. She forced a small smile and turned to face him, trying to mask the pain in her eyes. "Maybe I should talk to my doctor about it," she replied, her voice trembling only slightly.

Chris smiled back at her, his grip on her waist tightening almost imperceptibly. He leaned in and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her lips before pulling away. "That's my girl," he said, his tone laced with false affection. "I think you should take a few days off your insulin. I'll look after it so you don't get tempted by it." His eyes glanced down at her stomach, and Lucy felt a shiver run down her spine.

"I mean, we want to try for a baby soon, and I don't really want to look at a fat body, do I?" His words were like daggers, piercing through her fragile defenses. She knew he was manipulating her, using her desire to start a family against her.

The realization hit her hard, but she couldn't let him see her crumble. Instead, she nodded slowly, forcing a weak smile. "Okay, Chris. Whatever you think is best."

Lucy's eyes widened in shock as Chris turned back to her, his cruel smile etched on his face. "Oh, and I spoke to Tim," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I told him we're trying for a baby, so he knows how fragile you are." She felt the blood drain from her face as he continued, "He won't be sparring with you today."

Anger surged within her, but she bit her tongue to keep from screaming. Chris was not only controlling her life but also meddling in her work, making decisions for her without her consent. *He has no right!* She thought furiously, clenching her fists at her sides. But she knew if she spoke.. She'd be talking back and.. Talking back meant being punished. "Thanks, Chris," she replied, her voice strained. "I appreciate you looking out for me."

Chris's words hung in the air like a dark cloud, sending a chill down Lucy's spine. She felt his menacing stare bore into her, trying to read her thoughts. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let him see her fear. She held his gaze for a long moment before looking away, pretending to be lost in thought.

He leaned closer, his handsome face twisted into a sinister mask that she never thought she'd see. "Luce, you do know that if you tell anyone, I'll kill you," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "And that's a promise."

Lucy felt her entire body go rigid as Chris's threatening words echoed through the room. His eyes were cold and hard, sending a wave of terror coursing through her veins.

Lucy's mind raced, desperately seeking a way out of this nightmare. *He's serious. He'll actually hurt me if I say anything.* Panic threatened to consume her, but she knew she had to remain calm. She swallowed hard and forced herself to meet his gaze, trying to convey a sense of submission she didn't feel. "Chris, please," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I won't say anything. I promise."

Inside, however, her thoughts were screaming for freedom and justice. She knew she couldn't keep living this lie, walking on eggshells around a man who claimed to love her but was slowly destroying her instead, but she had no choice..

938 words. Hope you enjoyed :)