Compensation

Emma Hart gazed into Damien Sterling's bloodshot eyes, sensing an imminent eruption, while the bystanders stood petrified, too scared to make a sound.

"Are you testing my patience?" he asked.

A medical checkup, that's all it was. Was there anything to fret about? Should she still be concerned about the marks on her neck? 

To survive in his world, she knew she had to put aside considerations of dignity.

Emma stiffly turned her body, exposing her neck and the glaring marks on it. 

No matter how much she tried to console herself, the sympathetic glances from Mrs. Harris and the doctor pierced her heart like needles. 

The pity in their eyes inflicted more pain than the physical marks themselves.

The personal doctor, Dr. Smith, momentarily taken aback, hurried forward to inspect the marks on Emma's neck meticulously, then proceeded with a thorough examination using his instruments.