[ANASTASIA]
One minute, I’m chasing my daughter through the snowy evening, the crisp air biting at my cheeks and making me shiver, trying to get my hands on her so I can take her back inside. Her laughter echoes in the winter night, a pure, innocent sound that warms my heart despite the cold.
In the other minute, I’m being manhandled by my so-called husband, Ivan. He strides over to me with determined steps, his presence commanding and imposing. He drops his heavy overcoat onto my shoulders, its weight pressing down, and he forcefully slips my arms into it.
I know I shouldn’t be annoyed by his attempt to keep me warm, but something inside me still feels the desperate need to push him away and scream.
Truth be told, this is what I have been worried about—for him to show the care that co
