A Castle Built on Lies

A wave of pain spread through the clusters of needle marks on my arm.After all these years of going through countless IVF treatments and taking countless medications, my body was ruined.But everyone said I was the problem.Filled with guilt, I blamed myself and put up with Eric Compton's bad temper in every way.In the end, I found out that it was all because of the glasses of milk he'd handed me himself.I stood frozen like a statue while the mocking laughter in the room continued."Not bad, Eric. Avery's always been so cold and distant, but you've got her listening to every command. The two of you must be doing pretty great in bed, huh?"Eric raised his eyebrows. "It's Avery who begs me for it, so I'm just using her for practice. Monica's coming back soon. What if I hurt her?"Eric added, "Monica's not some country bumpkin like Avery who can handle it rough. She's delicate."When he mentioned Monica Lynch, the soft look on his face made my eyes sting with tears. Every word

When Eric heard what Monica said, he stood up.Before walking away, he coldly said, "Go reflect on your mistakes in the prayer room. You can come out when you realize what you did wrong!"He then had someone throw me into the dark room—the place I was always punished in.Right on the other side of the wall was Eric's bedroom. Inside, Monica's playful voice rang out, "Eric, I'm not hurt. Why were you so harsh toward Avery?""Scaring you was her biggest mistake! Besides, she's rough and tough. Locking her up won't hurt her," Eric replied.Then, the faint rustling of clothes followed. Monica's voice was soft and sweet as she said, "Eric, you're a married man. What we're doing isn't right."Eric's tone was full of affection as he replied, "You don't know how cheap she smells. I feel disgusted just touching her. You've been the only one I've loved all these years."Don't worry, I'll make sure it doesn't hurt…"Their moans and whispers slipped through the crack in the door, grati

Eric clutched his cheek in disbelief and cried out, "Grandpa, why did you hit me? Avery was the one who messed up. Why are you taking her side?"Heartbreak was evident in Barbara's eyes when she saw Eric getting slapped. She couldn't help but complain, saying, "Richard, can't you talk things through? Why would you hit Eric?"Richard scoffed and pointed at me, my cheek still marked with a bright red handprint. "Talk things through? Then why didn't you talk to Avery? You slapped her, didn't you?"After being scolded in front of everyone, Barbara immediately looked upset. After all, she was someone who always cared deeply about keeping up appearances.She shot back without thinking. "That's because Avery's just too irresponsible! She's been married into this family for seven years and still hasn't gotten pregnant."I told her to go through with IVF, but all she cares about is having fun! She's forgotten her responsibility as Eric's wife!" The more Barbara spoke, the more sure of hers

Eric stared at the divorce agreement in front of him, unable to process what was happening. He blurted, "Grandpa, what divorce?"Richard snapped, "After every awful thing you've done to Avery, do you really want to keep her tied to you forever?"A look of confusion flashed across Eric's face. He turned to me, dumbfounded, and asked, "Avery, you want a divorce?"I pulled my clothes tighter around myself and calmly said, "Yes. Don't worry. You won't have to put up with my stench and my lowly self anymore."Eric turned pale and said in a low voice, "That was just me talking out of anger. Why did you take it seriously?"He added, "Avie, I know what I did before was wrong, but it was all because I misunderstood you! Now that it's all been cleared up, and I know you love me, can't we just move on?"I stared at Eric, wondering how he could even say something like that. Did he think he could brush off all the suffering I endured in our seven years of marriage just by calling it a misunde

The driver drove very quickly and took me to a hospital owned by the Comptons.The procedure went smoothly, and when everything was over, all I felt was relief.Right after they wheeled me into the hospital room, Eric burst through the door.The bodyguard said, "Mr. Compton came rushing over like his life depended on it. We couldn't stop him."I didn't blame him. I merely looked at Eric and quietly said, "The baby's gone. You're too late."Eric's eyes immediately grew red-rimmed, and he collapsed onto the floor. "Avie, how could you be so heartless?" he asked.I almost laughed. In the seven years I'd spent with the Comptons, had he ever shown me any kindness?Just then, Richard stepped into the room. He glanced at Eric on the floor and said in disappointment, "Now you're regretting it? What were you doing all these years?"With that, he grabbed Eric and dragged him out."Quit being an eyesore here. Haven't you hurt Avery enough?"Even with the hospital room door closed, I cou