Beyond His Grey Eyes

"If you choose her today," I swallowed a sob. "I'll die, Atlas," 

My husband, Atlas Volkan froze at the door. He unhooked his arm from my sister's and marched forward.

My heart pounded in my chest as he approached me. The scent of his cologne invaded my nose like an addiction.

How do you love someone to the point of loathing yourself?

"I have always chosen her."His words were a stab in my chest, turning the dagger, he continued. "Today is her big day and if you love me, Don't ruin it."

He turned to leave and I blurted. "But you are my husband! We are married!"

"Enough, Julia!" Lovie snapped, glaring at me "Your marriage is a sham. Atlas loves me and you know this!"

"I have a bad feeling, Atlas. For once, please, let me come along. I'm scared Atlas."

Atlas' gaze rested on me, almost as if he was worried. However, the flicker in his eyes was gone as soon as Lovie spoke.

"Choose, Atlas. Her or me?" She asked. Like that, the fog cleared and he grabbed her wrist, leaving the house.

The sound of the keys inside the lock rang through the room. They left and they locked me inside.

I walked over to the closest window, watching as they drove out. My husband and my older sister ― the perfect affair.

My heart ached, my body trembled with sobs. This was my life and I hated it.

I prepared coffee to clear my mind and I had barely taken a sip when the banging came minutes later. I stumbled, wide-eyed as the door handle shook.

Someone... someone was trying to break in!

I bolted in the opposite direction, tripping over myself as the door fell off its hinges.

My heart pounded in my chest as we made eye contact. The man in front of me looked taller, stronger, and masked.

He reached for me but I scrambled to my feet.  

I flailed my hands and kicked my feet, barely able to hear anything over the sound of my heart banging on the walls of my chest.

I froze as something grazed my skin, pain shooting through my torso. My hands dug into my jean pockets and I speed dialed Atlas.

He was the only contact I had. The only one I trusted.

He didn't pick up.

I kicked the man between his legs and raced up the stairs. I struggled to breathe as I continued calling Atlas.

Pick up. Pick up! Pick―

An inhuman screech escaped my lips as he tugged on my hair, pulling me. My back collided with the wall and I came face to face with his masked face.

Before I could process anything, his hands found their way to my neck ― squeezing life out of me.

My eyes threatened to pop from their sockets as I gasped for air, tears crawling down my cheek.

Why was he trying to kill me?

In my life, I sacrificed everything for everyone. I did everything to be loved ― wanted, to be seen.

But nothing worked and now, I was dying.

I was going to be killed by a stranger in my own home. All the while my husband of three years was at my fashion show, parading with his lover, while I died, alone – Bleeding and gasping for air.

Was this the reward for being a good person?

I spat in his face and he let out a disgusted grumble. I took the chance to enter my room and lock the door.

I panted but continued calling Atlas. My knees threatened to buckle as I registered the number of times I had called.

Fifty-seven.

My hands trembled as I glanced at the door ― threatening to pop off its hinges. Loud banging followed.