Sugar and Shadows Beneath the façade

Natalie's POV

I walked out of the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror, my reflection staring back at me. I felt pity for myself as I saw my battered body and hickeys all over my neck down to my arm; results of Sebastian's rough love making.

My parents forced me to marry Sebastian Sean just for wealth . They knew their financial status would change so they didn't even hesitate or decline when his family came, asking for my hand in marriage. They have me out at once.

Sebastian Sean is the complete description of a violent husband, a monster, and a woman beater. Despite Sebastian's cruel treatment, I loved him deeply, holding unto hope he'd change. Three years had passed but my love remained, despite the bruises and shattered dreams.

He wasn't like this during the early months of our marriage but as soon as I lost my first pregnancy, he changed totally.

Flashback, 3 years ago

Sebastian was the sweetest husband ever and after he found out I was pregnant, his love for me increased and he always took good care of me. He was always there for me and treated me like a fragile egg. I never had a reason to be sad.

"Natalie I will never make you cry, you'd be my love forever." These were Sebastian's words when we went on a picnic, we were alone in the camp tent and the atmosphere was freaky tender.

He kissed my forehead and engulfed me in a hug, I was in his arms throughout the night. I rested my head on his chest, enjoying his warmth. He was my safe haven.

Every morning before I woke up, Sebastian would always prepare breakfast. Sebastian hired servants to do the house chores and I never did a single thing at home. He really pampered me a lot.

He gave me everything I needed and showed me affection. I stupidly believed he cared for me until one morning when I woke up and found myself bleeding. I screamed and Sebastian rushed out of the bathroom when he heard my voice.

"Nat, what's wrong? Blood? What happened?" He asked, his voice full of concern. He took me to the hospital where the doctor confirmed what happened to me.

"Mr Sean, your wife had a miscarriage." He announced and since that day, there was a change in Sebastian's attitude. He would always get angry at minor things, he never cared for me like he always did. My lovely husband became a fierce monster I couldn't even get close to.

We now slept in different rooms, he dismissed all the house workers, he never talked to me and he started to answer mysterious calls. We were torn apart.

My concern grew by day and I decided to speak to him, I needed to have him talk with me and stop giving me silent treatments.

I entered his room and immediately he saw me, his facial expression changed, there was a deep frown on his face. Sebastian who was always happy to see me had now been irritated by my presence.

"Natalie! What do you want?" He asked in a husky voice and suddenly I turned dumb, I couldn't speak and began to stutter. I was afraid he would get angry at me.

He rolled his eyes at me in disgust and was about to exit the room, when I hugged him.

He halted in his steps and gazed at me in annoyance.

"Baby, what have I done wrong? I love you Seb but you don't care for me anymore. I miss those happy days. You don't even give me a good morning kiss anymore." I said and before I knew what was going on, Seb pushed me to the floor and blood started to prickle from the corner of my mouth.

"You shameless rat! You expect a good morning kiss when your incompetence is growing every moment. I regret ever marrying you, Natalie. Never in your life should you disturb me with unnecessary things." He scowled and picked up his briefcase, walking out on me.

Flashback over

Ever since then, Sebastian never failed to mistreat me and make my life miserable. He never stopped abusing me everyday. My eyes welled up with tears as I remembered all the sufferings I've gone through.

"This marriage is hell on earth." I sighed, my voice barely audible.

As I dressed up, my thoughts lingered in my circumstances. Wealth and material things aren't enough; I craved love. Sebastian provided everything but affection.

Downstairs, I prepared breakfast, my daily routine before opening my cake shop. I set the table and after I was done I sat down to eat. A few minutes later Sebastian joined me and I managed to give him a cheerful smile.

"Good morning." I greeted, pretending everything was okay.

"Mmm." He nodded and began eating. I was used to him being nonchalant so I just kept my cool. The reigning silence was short-lived as Sebastian spat the cereal.

I looked up, wondering what was wrong.