I lowered my head slightly, digging my nails into my fingers, feeling a mix of anticipation and fear.

I prayed he wouldn't refuse me in front of Lydia.

"I'll be home for dinner tonight," Leon said, and both Lydia and I looked up at him at the same time.

...

The wall clock struck nine. It was nine o'clock. Since I came back, the front door had been silent.

I sat at the dining table, watching the exquisite food in front of me go from steaming to cold. All that was left in my heart was nausea. A wave of revulsion suddenly surged up my throat, and I swallowed hard.

"Hilda, throw the food away."

5

After dealing with the company's matters, I dragged my exhausted body back home. I didn't have dinner, but I didn't seem to feel hungry. But the headaches became more frequent.

I threw myself onto the sofa. Suddenly, the lights blazed brightly, startling me.

"Violet, how have you let yourself become like this?" Leon's words were laden with disgust and aversion.

I knew I must have looked terrible lately, with a sallow complexion and sunken eye sockets. I didn't even have the energy to dress up anymore.