Prologue

I closed my eyes tightly as he threw the picture frame he was holding at me.

I'm grateful that it only hit my shoulder and not my face. As I lowered my gaze to the frame, a pang of pain shot through my heart. That was our family picture... now shattered.

"How many times have I told you that I don't want you going out?! Can't you understand? Are you really that stupid, Symphony?"

I bowed my head and remained silent. It's not that I'm guilty, but because I'm already tired. I'm tired of proving him wrong. I’m tired of always arguing with him.

He always thought that every time I go out, I'm always seeing his cousin, which is not true. But I'm tired of explaining myself. It's exhausting to keep up with his anger.

How many times have I tried to fix this family?

I know I made mistakes, but I tried to fix everything after realizing the things I've done. I apologized... more than a hundred times already. But this man in front of me doesn't know how to listen. He loathes me to death, and there's nothing I can do to change that.

"Stop your fake crying! I will never feel sorry for a slut like you!"

My body is terribly shaking. I'm afraid of him. The way he spits those hurtful words and the way he looks at me, it's like he's ready to strangle me to death.

I want to beg him to stop.

I'm afraid that Melody might hear her father's screams. I don't want the image of a complete and happy family tainted with sadness and pain in my daughter's mind. She's too young for this kind of heartache... I would die first before I let her suffer from this pain.

"If it weren't for Autumn, I would have left you a long time ago, Symphony! I'm disgusted to be in the same house as you! It makes me sick!" He gave me a disgusted look before leaving the room.

I weakly sat on the bed. Letting out all my emotions, I silently sobbed, careful not to make any sound, afraid that my daughter might hear me. If only it weren't for Melody, I wouldn't have married her devilish father. If only it weren't for my precious daughter, I wouldn't have risked my life living with the man who swore to make my life a living hell.

If only I could run away and hide from him, I would... but I know I couldn't, because Melody adored him so much.

I stared at the broken picture frame on the floor.

Our family seemed to be a perfect one. A happy family that my daughter thought she had. Oh, God! I don't know what I'll do when my daughter finds out what kind of family we have. That’s why, as long as possible, as long as I can bear it, I'll endure all the pain. I'm willing to sacrifice my freedom and happiness for Melody.

Even if it costs me my life, I'll stay in this family for the sake of my daughter's happiness.