Annabelle entered her home, arms laden with bags full of her favorite treats. The air was filled with the scent of chocolates and the vibrant colors of fresh fruits. Her focus was on the goodies, and she eagerly made her way to the parlor upstairs to stow them away in the fridge.
As she arranged the items in the cool confines of the fridge, a nagging thought crept into her mind – where was Edwards? Confused, she headed to their shared room, anticipating his presence. To her surprise, the room was empty, devoid of any signs of her husband.
Perplexed, Annabelle took a seat on the sofa, reaching into her handbag to retrieve her phone as it emitted a familiar beep. A notification revealed a monthly payment from Edwards, a stark reminder of the contractual nature of their relationship. The routine transaction always left a bitter aftertaste, a constant reminder of their arrangement.