" Stella? Again?" Karine exclaimed in anger as she looked at her bruised face; even the makeup could not hide the swollen cheeks and the bruised lips.

Stella tried to conceal her pain and suffering with a fake smile, " I'm good, I fell on the file", she said leaning towards Karine's desk,

" C'mon, you know that lie isn't for me; we both know the reason behind this; for how long, Stella? How long will you keep up with this?",

" He's going to change Karine, he promised me",

" He promised you? After this or before this?" she asked in disdain, pointing at the bruises on her face....