Shadows of control { Under Editing }

11.Will she reveal?

Author's pov

Sofia and Naira strolled through the garden, the soft glow of the moon casting long shadows. The night air was cool and refreshing, a perfect contrast to the tension that had been brewing within Sofia.

"So, how's married life going ?"
Naira asked, her voice light and curious.

"It's... going well,"
Sofia replied, her voice a bit uncertain. Her mind drifted back to the countless moments when Ansh's frustration had spilled over, turning him into a different person.

"Are you sure you're happy?"
Naira persisted, her tone laced with concern
"You don't have to pretend. You know you can be honest with me."

Sofia hesitated, her gaze fixed on the ground.

"Grandma bought you both here because she doubts your relationship, because we all knows ansh, he was never into this marriage things"

A shiver ran down Sofia's spine. The thought of Ansh finding out if she would share their private struggles with his family filled her with dread. She knew his reaction.

Naira's voice, heavy with concern, pierced through Sofia's thoughts.
"Grandma wants to see if he treats you with love and respect."

Sofia's mind flashed back to the countless moments when Ansh's anger had consumed him, reducing her to a mere object of his frustration. The memory of his  forceful actions sent a chill down her spine.

"Respect?"she said In her inner voice
"He treats me like his fucking whore."

But she couldn't let those thoughts escape her lips. Not yet. Not when the stakes were so high. So, she forced a smile, her voice steady,
"Trust me he's treating me well with both love and respect ."

She tried to change the subject, her voice light and casual.Naira, however, wasn't easily distracted.

Naira's voice, sharp and accusatory, cut through the silence.
"Don't you dare lie to me, Sofia. I know how Ansh treats other girls, beside his sisters. And those bruises on your body-they don't just appear out of thin air."

Sofia's heart pounded in her chest. She knew Naira was right. The bruises were a constant reminder of Ansh's violent outbursts. But she couldn't expose him. Not now. Not when their future depended on his good behavior.

"It's nothing,"
she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "
My body is just sensitive. I bruise easily."

Naira's eyes narrowed, disbelief etched on her face. "Sofia, you can't keep covering for him. You have to face the truth."

But Sofia couldn't do it. She couldn't risk everything. With a hurried goodbye, she turned and fled to her room, leaving Naira alone with her doubts and worries.

Sofia slipped into the room. As she closed the door, she noticed Ansh standing by the window, his back to her.

His silhouette was striking against the twilight sky, his broad shoulders and lean frame exuding an aura of power and dominance.

"What was she asking ?"
he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Sofia's heart skipped a beat. She tried to maintain her composure, forcing a calm smile.
"Oh, it was nothing important."

he scoffed, his disbelief palpable.
"You know very well I hate liars."

Sofia's breath caught in her throat. She knew she couldn't lie anymore.
"Naira was asking about our relationship,"
she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Ansh's expression hardened.
"And what did you tell her?" he demanded.
"Did you tell her the truth? Did you tell her how I really treat you?"

Sofia hesitated, her mind racing.
"I told her everything is fine,"
, her voice trembling.

He turned slowly, his gaze piercing her. His lips curved into a cold smile, a stark contrast to his usually warm demeanor.

A dangerous glint appeared in Ansh's eyes as he stepped closer to her, his breath fanning her face. He cornered her against the wall, his voice low and menacing.
"So you lied ? Didn't you?"

Sofia's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Ansh smirked, his eyes filled with a mix of amusement and warning. With a final, lingering look, he turned and left the room, leaving Sofia alone with her thoughts