Meera

"Stop!"

A loud sound boomed in the hall, resonating off the walls. I turned my head to the side and saw my husband standing at the doorway with emotionless eyes and a clenched jaw.

He moved his feet and walked inside the hall, and finally, a smile broke onto his lips. I looked down—was he going to embarrass me too? I prepared myself for it, for another humiliation.

"Good evening, ladies," he spoke in the sweetest manner possible, and everyone greeted him back. "Mrs. Asher, don't worry. I will buy you a new pair from the same brand," he said.

"Meera, baby—"

My heart thudded inside my chest as he addressed me sweetly. A shiver rolled down my spine as he hauled me into his arms.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and looked into his eyes—blue against amber. For a moment, I forgot everything and let the butterflies swarm in my belly.

He was so handsome that my eyes teared up again at the beauty of this man. For a moment, I only saw the old Abram, who was so sweet and gentle to me. My savior.

I was brought back from my trance as I heard whispers. I looked behind him and found my mother-in-law glaring at me.

I buried my face in his hard chest, inhaling his cologne.

"Let's go, shall we?" he asked with a sweet smile, and I nodded in agreement.

I was thrown onto the bed, and my breasts jiggled up and down. I looked at him, but his sudden change in mood didn't surprise me.

Because I knew that other than his hatred, everything he did for me was just pretense.

He raked his fingers through his hair and sighed, his jaw clenched tightly.

"I didn't do it on purpose. It was an accident," I said, and he glared at me.

He walked towards me, and suddenly, he hovered above me. His eyes went to my exposed cleavage, and he clenched his jaw again.

He looked into my eyes.

"Only me. Only I can hurt you, and no one else," he said, then looked at my lips before meeting my eyes again. I gulped.

He moved away and walked out of my room. My heart was still thrumming in my chest. I brought my knees closer and rested my chin on them, suddenly feeling emotional.

I let my emotions out as I cried alone in my bed.

"I will not do it," I declared in disagreement and looked at my husband, who had his mistress sitting on his lap.

"What did you say?" Ariana asked, and I looked at her sharply.

"I will not make drinks for you. That's what I said, you deaf and dumb," I retorted.

She looked at Abram and pouted.

"See, Abram? She is insulting me! How dare she?" She wrapped her arms around my husband, and I clenched my fists. I didn't like it.

I wanted to break her hands then and there, but I controlled my anger, which was threatening to surface.

"You said I am only your maid, so I am not supposed to do anyone else's work," I said with determination and looked at the blank dark wall.

"You will do her work because I said so," he finally spoke, and I looked at him sharply. He was already scoffing at me.

"I will not," I said, standing firm.

Enough was enough. I would let Abram do anything to me, but I wouldn't let him humiliate me. Not anymore. I had self-respect too, even if I was a sinner.

He removed Ariana from his lap, got up from the couch, and strode towards me. In no time, I was pinned against the wall.

I gulped, feeling scared and timid in front of him. He glared down at me, his hot breath fanning against my temple.

"Come again, pigeon?" he said.

I looked into his eyes.

"I will not do anything," I said, and a low chuckle escaped his mouth.

"So, you're defying me now, huh?" he asked, running his nose against my cheek as he pinned my hand tightly against the wall.

"I am ordering you. If you defy me, you will regret it for your dear life," he rasped against my lips.

I shook my head, trying to free myself. My chest rubbed against his clothed one, and I felt my nipples tighten. A tingling sensation erupted in my core.

I clenched my thighs, and maybe sensing my arousal, he looked at me, then suddenly released me and backed away. His own breathing was faster and harsher.

He raked his fingers through his hair and sighed as if composing himself—just as I was trying to compose myself.

"If you defy me now, pigeon, remember I have something that will ruin your whole life, and I won’t even regret it," he said in a hard voice.

I stared at him in disbelief, my eyes blurring with tears.

Was he really going to ruin me? But what did he have that could ruin me?

I was already ruined.

Ariana came from behind and kissed his neck. A pang of sheer jealousy hit my nerves, making my fists clench.

"What do you have, Abram? Please tell me," she asked in a sweet voice, running her fingers along his sharp jaw.

My heart thudded inside my chest.

"No, Abram, please don't," I begged him with my eyes.

He just smirked in my direction and pulled that bitch closer to him, her chest pressing against his—just like mine had before.

I watched as he ran his hand over her ass and groped her.

"Why are you hurting me like this, Abram?" I asked him with my eyes.

"I have proof of her sleeping around."

***

Love Pia.