Chapter 2 The Swan's Death

Once we officially became a couple, Edwin took great care of me. He would spend time with me every day, cook meals, and heat water. We would even video chat before sleeping, and he insisted on watching me fall asleep before ending the call.

All of this perfectly filled the void left by a lack of affection from my family, and I quickly became dependent on him.

He was nearly perfect, except for one flaw. He was somewhat frugal. When we ate, I always ordered one meat dish and two vegetable dishes, while he only got one vegetable dish for himself.

I wanted him to order a meat dish as well, but he said it was unnecessary as the portion was enough.

Luckily, I couldn't finish so much food, and I would only eat a small portion, giving the rest to him.

He rarely bought new clothes. Whenever he saw me buying new clothes, he would advise me to be thrifty and not waste money.

He once saw me buying a set of "Lancôme" skincare products. But upon learning the price, he furrowed his brows and asked me, "Do you really need such expensive cosmetics?"

At that moment, I detected an air of disdain in his eyes. Quick to defend myself, I hastily explained, "My sister uses them too."

But he responded, "What a waste of money. Do you realize how many meals a child from a poor family could have with the money you spent on this skincare set?"

I was stunned. I was just using my money. What did it have to do with children from poor families having enough to eat?

But then he said, "You've been pampered at home, and I don't think you're good at managing finances. Why don't we combine our living expenses, and I'll take care of the budgeting? Don't worry. I won't spend your money, and I'll keep track of everything."

There was some truth to his words. I indeed tended to spend recklessly and lacked financial management skills.

Considering his kindness towards me, I naturally placed my trust in him. On the same day, I handed over my bank card to him.

From then on, he controlled my monthly living expenses of twenty thousand dollars.

I had to ask him for money to buy clothes and shoes, or even for snacks and sanitary pads. Before granting me any funds, he would extensively question me, evaluating whether the expenditure was "worth it."

Though I felt a hint of dissatisfaction, I convinced myself that his frugality was for my benefit and endured it.

University life was rich and vibrant. There were many student clubs. Based on my dance skills, I joined several clubs.

Consequently, whenever there was an event at the school, the dance and drama clubs would be called upon to perform.

Although I was timid by nature, I had a persistent passion for the stage.

From childhood to adulthood, I had taken part in countless performances and competitions at the city, state, and even national levels, resulting in trophies and medals piling up in half of my family's basement.

Moreover, I didn't specialize in just one type of dance. Apart from ballet, I could dance classical, modern, and even street dance with grace.

Not surprisingly, on New Year's Eve of my first year at college, I became famous for my solo performance of "The Swan's Death."

However, he was angry.

Before the event concluded, he dragged me away from backstage, where I was clad only in my ballet costume and a cotton jacket.

In the bitter cold of the northern winter, it could really be life-threatening, but he disregarded it and reproached me in the snow for nearly half an hour.

He kept saying that I didn't respect myself, dressed disgracefully and sought people's attention.

I shivered with crossed arms, crying and begging him to let me go back and put on some clothes. He retorted, "Don't you like dressing lightly? A cotton jacket is more than enough for you."

Then, shockingly, he tore off my thin cotton jacket, leaving me exposed on the snowy night.

It wasn't until someone passed by that he angrily put the clothes back on me and carried me back to the classroom.

That night, in the classroom, he had his way with me.