This was his punishment for her, a dual punishment that surpassed the realms of the physical and the emotional.

The study's table was cold and unyielding, her body was subjected to relentless friction, almost tearing her skin apart.

"Do you think being Mrs. Cunningham is so easy?" he taunted. "You can bask in the limelight outside, but in my presence, you're nothing but a slave, and a lifelong one at that."

"You bastard, Dylan!"

"Choosing me as your husband was your decision, Eliana. Learn to endure it, or better yet, get used to it."

"Ah..."

His outpouring of emotions and her silent endurance left her without any room for resistance...