My father’s eyes held a mix of desperation and determination as he sat me down to discuss the future of our family business. The company was on the brink of bankruptcy, and the only way to save it was to merge with a rival firm owned by Victor, a traditional man who wanted to unite our families through marriage.
“Son, I know this isn’t ideal, but I have no other choice,” he said, his voice laced with regret. I felt like a pawn in a game, a bargaining chip to be used for the benefit of others. But I couldn’t bear to see my father’s face etched with worry, so I agreed to meet Adriana, Victor’s daughter.
Our meeting was a surprise. Adriana was intelligent, witty, and beautiful, with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me. We talked effortlessly, and by the end of the evening, I found myself reconsidering my initial reluctance. Maybe this arranged marriage wouldn’t be so bad after all.
The wedding was a blur of formalities, a business transaction disguised as a celebration. But as we stood alone in the presidential suite of a five-star hotel, Adriana’s demeanor changed. She locked eyes with me and issued a cold, calculated command: “From now on, you must do everything I tell you.”
I laughed, thinking it was a joke, but Adriana’s expression didn’t change. She meant every word. I was to be her servant, her personal assistant, her obedient husband. I felt a surge of anger and resentment, but I bit my tongue, knowing that defying her would put our family’s business at risk.
The days that followed were a test of my endurance. Adriana’s demands were endless, and I was forced to comply, no matter how humiliating or demeaning the task. But I observed her, studied her, and waited for the perfect moment to strike back.
That moment came on a rainy Tuesday night when Adriana ordered me to walk three miles to fetch her sushi. I refused, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of uncertainty in her eyes. I revealed my secret: I had been recording her demands, her threats, and her abuse. I had enough evidence to destroy her reputation and ours.
The confrontation that followed was intense. Adriana’s father, Victor, was shocked and disappointed by his daughter’s behavior. He ordered her to divorce me, and Adriana was left reeling. I smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction and vindication.
But I didn’t gloat. Instead, I turned the tables on Adriana, making her obey my demands for two weeks. It was a small revenge, but it was enough to teach her a lesson. When the time came, I served her with divorce papers, and she was devastated.
As she packed her bags and left, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Our marriage had been a test of my strength and resilience, but I had emerged victorious. I had learned that no contract, family obligation, or financial concern was worth surrendering control of my life. I was free, and that was all that mattered.
