The Price of Innocence

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the floor-to-ceiling window. The skyscrapers rising so high, the endless stream of cars, and the hustle of pedestrians; it was too much for

ld think of. But none of those things gave any comfort to Elsie; it was so impersonal and cold. She longed for th

her new life. But Elsie felt out of place wherever they went. The women in Damian's world were polished sophisticates with conversations filled with references to things Elsie had never heard of-luxury bran

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quisite, with china and crystal glasses, foreign smells wafting from the kitchen of gourmet food and fine wine. Elsie sat up

question about an art exhibition the group had attended recently, her mind had gone blank. "I...

hought everyone in Damian's circle had a

. Muted whispers erupted among the other guests, and Damian, seated at

calm, disappointment gleamed in his eyes. "Elsie," he said, tone gentle yet firm, "I know this is all new for you

heart heavy with shame. "I am really sorry, Dam

ired prope

face the prospect of being humiliated again in front of his associates, yet he did not want to destroy her spirit. She was hi

ol. "She must learn how to comport herself in elite circles," he said. "Etiquette, convers

She wanted to make him proud, she wanted to fit into his world, but the thought of that fi

I know this is hard for you, but it is essential. You are my wife now, and you m

quite know whether she could, but when it came t

ainness of her tiny village. She inhaled and with trembling hands pushed the heavy wooden doors ope

id, her voice crisp and business-l

hat echoed with their footsteps. She did not know what was ahead, but one thing