Mine

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As the days passed after Maria's visit, Jennifer found herself consumed by self-doubt. The contrast between her life and Maria's seemed more pronounced than ever. The way Maria carried herself with confidence, along with the stylish outfits of her twins, left Jennifer feeling inadequate and trapped in her own reality.

Sitting alone in the living room, watching her children play, she began to reflect on her situation. She realized that, despite everything, she still needed Emilio in ways Maria did not. He provided stability, a roof over their heads, and, for better or worse, a sense of security that Maria had willingly walked away from. This realization weighed heavily on her heart.

Determined to adapt, Jennifer decided to embrace her role in their relationship. She would treat Emilio like a king, thinking that perhaps if she fulfilled his expectations, he might soften toward her. She started to prepare his favorite meals, keeping the house spotless, and attending to his needs with an eagerness that surprised even her.

"Dinner's ready!" she called one evening, presenting a spread of his favorite dishes. Emilio walked in, his brow furrowing at her sudden change in demeanor.

"What's this?" he asked, skepticism coloring his tone.

"Just trying to make things better," she replied, forcing a smile. "I thought you'd enjoy a nice meal after work."

He paused, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "You're trying to win me over, huh?"

"Maybe," she admitted, her heart racing. "I just want to be a good wife."

Emilio studied her for a moment, then shrugged. "Fine. But don't think this changes anything. You still have a long way to go."

As days turned into weeks, Jennifer continued this new approach. She filled the house with flowers, created a cozy atmosphere, and made an effort to compliment him. Each time he noticed her efforts, a flicker of warmth ignited within her, even as the fear of his temper loomed in the background.

But deep down, the feeling that Maria was somehow better than her lingered. Whenever Jennifer caught a glimpse of the twins in their fashionable clothes, she felt a pang of envy mixed with longing. Maria seemed so free, so confident, while she felt shackled by her circumstances.

One evening, after another long day of catering to Emilio's every whim, she sat beside him on the couch, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "Do you ever think about how things could be different?" she asked hesitantly.

Emilio glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "What do you mean?"

"Like... if you were with someone else, someone more like Maria," she murmured, avoiding his gaze.

He scoffed, turning his attention back to the television. "Maria left. You think I'd want that kind of instability? You're my wife, and you have to understand that loyalty is what matters."

In that moment, Jennifer realized she was trapped in a cycle of comparison, constantly measuring herself against an ideal she could never reach. But she also understood that her loyalty to Emilio was a complex web of dependence and fear.

With a new determination, she resolved to make the best of her situation, believing that if she could just be what Emilio wanted, maybe—just maybe—she could carve out a space for herself in their world. As she poured herself into this role, a small part of her hoped it might lead to a happier existence, even if it meant putting aside her own desires for the time being.

—————

Five years had passed, and Jennifer had molded herself into the ideal version of the wife Emilio desired. The chaos and uncertainty of her earlier years faded into a distant memory, replaced by a rigid routine that revolved around Emilio's needs and expectations. She had learned to navigate the complexities of their life with a careful balance of obedience and affection, all while suppressing her own desires.

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