Mayor's Dutiful Wife

Title: A Second Chance: Book One ***** For some, marriage is a binding commitment, while for others, it feels like a life-altering reality. ***** Excerpt: He opened his safe and withdrew a stack of documents. Impatiently, he tossed them in my direction, demanding I pick them up. Ignoring his command, I glared at him, unyielding. "Pick them up, please," he insisted, his tone bordering on condescension, as if addressing a disobedient pet. When I remained obstinate, he lowered himself to my level and retrieved the papers himself. "This is our marriage contract," he declared, thrusting them at me once more. "Read it!" "I told you, read it!" His voice rose, echoing through the room. "Don't force me to take drastic measures; you'll regret it later. Read it, or face the consequences," he warned ominously. With trembling hands and blurred vision, I lifted the papers. My own signature stared back at me, and my heart raced. "Read it," he commanded, towering over me. 1. I promise not to seek employment. 2. I vow to honor my in-laws. 3. I will follow my husband's every instruction. 4. Regardless of treatment, I will be a devoted wife, fulfilling all duties assigned to me. 5. I agree to bear children for my husband, surrendering any parental rights to him, who will have full custody. 6. Lastly, I accept that I must fulfill my husband's desires for intimacy, even when not desired by me. Tears streamed down my face, one after another. He swiftly snatched the contract away. "Now, do you comprehend your role?" he asked, his voice laced with menace.