“Alex… you’re hurting me!” Elena gasped, her voice strained and shaky. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she struggled against his grip, but her efforts were in vain.

Her face turned an alarming shade of red as she felt herself slipping towards unconsciousness—until a small, frightened voice broke through the tense silence.

“Mommy!” Hailey cried, her eyes wide with fear and brimming with tears as she took in the upsetting scene.

The sound jolted Alexander back to reality, and he immediately released Elena. She collapsed onto the floor, coughing as she struggled to catch her breath. Alexander stared at his own trembling hands, his chest tight with shock and shame...