Lily woke to the pale light filtering through the curtains, the cold ache in her body sharper than usual. The bruises on her arms throbbed painfully, a cruel reminder of last night. Her breath caught as memories of Leo’s harsh grip and the way his anger flared twice in just a few hours pressed down on her chest. She swallowed the lump rising in her throat, forcing herself to get up. Today, she had to work. No matter how broken she felt inside.

She dressed carefully, picking a long-sleeved blouse that would cover the bruises on her forearms. The fabric felt suffocating, but it was necessary. Her reflection in the...