The Cruelty

Eleanor's expression softened, her tone almost gentle. "You're trying, I see that. But you still have much to learn."

The words stung, but Elena swallowed her pride. She wanted to be the wife Liam needed, the daughter-in-law who fit seamlessly into his world. "Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it."

Eleanor's smile widened. "Good girl. You'll get there... eventually."

When Elena finally left, her heart was heavy. She had come seeking comfort, hoping to feel more connected to the family she had married into. But she felt more like an outsider than ever.

That evening, she prepared another elaborate dinner, despite knowing Liam wouldn't be home. She needed the distraction, needed to feel like she was contributing, like her sacrifices meant something.

When her phone buzzed again, she glanced at the screen, her heart dropping when she saw it was from Victoria: Saw Liam at the restaurant. He looked quite cozy with his assistant. Business dinner, right?

Elena's blood ran cold. She wanted to believe it was harmless, that it was just business. But Victoria's words were laced with insinuation, feeding the doubts that had been growing inside her.

She replied quickly, forcing herself to sound casual: Yes, it's a work dinner. Thanks for letting me know.

The response came almost instantly: Of course. Just looking out for family. You know how charming Liam can be.

Elena's hands trembled as she set her phone down. She told herself not to read too much into it, not to let Victoria's words poison her mind.

But as she sat alone in the dimly lit dining room, the untouched dinner growing cold before her, she couldn't shake the unease.

She had given up everything for this marriage—her career, her independence, her dreams. And yet, she felt more isolated than ever.

When Liam finally came home, hours later, he looked exhausted but pleased. He kissed her cheek absentmindedly, his mind still on the evening's events. "Dinner smells great," he said, glancing at the cold plates. "You didn't wait up, did you?"

Elena forced a smile. "No, I just... wanted everything to be ready when you got home."

He flashed her a grateful look, barely noticing the pain behind her eyes. "You're amazing. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She wanted to believe him, wanted to believe that her sacrifices were worth it, that she was making a difference.

But as he went upstairs to shower, leaving her alone once more, Elena realized that she was losing herself, piece by piece, to a life that didn't feel like her own.

She looked around the house she had decorated, the meals she had prepared, the life she had chosen. It was perfect.

But it wasn't hers.

And for the first time, Elena wondered how much more she could give before there was nothing left of her at all.The weekend arrived with a promise of family togetherness. Liam's mother insisted on hosting a lunch to celebrate his recent promotion, and Elena spent hours selecting the perfect dress, wanting to look elegant but not overdone. She styled her hair carefully, hoping to avoid any critiques from Eleanor or Victoria.

As she stood in front of the mirror, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her dress, Liam wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You look beautiful," he murmured, his eyes warm.

Elena's heart fluttered, the doubts from Victoria's message still lingering, but she pushed them aside. Today was about celebrating Liam, about being the supportive wife he needed. "I just want to make a good impression," she admitted, her voice soft.

"You don't have to try so hard, Elena," he said with a chuckle. "You're already perfect."

His words were sweet, but they didn't ease the knot in her stomach. He didn't understand how hard it was to navigate his family's world, how every word and glance felt like a test she was destined to fail.

They arrived at Eleanor's sprawling estate, the grand mansion gleaming under the afternoon sun. Elena held her head high as they walked inside, determined not to let her nerves show.

Eleanor greeted them with an air of practiced warmth. "Liam, darling, congratulations! I always knew you were meant for greatness." She wrapped him in a tight embrace, her eyes flickering to Elena. "And Elena... lovely to see you."

Elena forced a smile. "Thank you for hosting. It's so thoughtful of you."

Eleanor's lips twitched. "Well, it's important to celebrate achievements. We all have to contribute in our own ways." Her gaze lingered on Elena, the implication clear.

Before Elena could respond, Victoria appeared, her perfectly styled hair bouncing as she hugged Liam. "Big brother, you're amazing! It's no wonder everyone at the office admires you."

Elena's chest tightened. She knew Victoria still worked in Liam's company, always in the loop, always near him. The knowledge gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the world she had chosen to leave behind.

"And Elena," Victoria added with a sickly-sweet smile. "I love your dress. It's so... simple. So practical."

Elena's cheeks flushed. "Thank you. I thought it was fitting for today."

Victoria's eyes gleamed. "Yes, very fitting. I mean, after all, you're not working, so no need for anything too extravagant."

The comment cut deep, but Elena kept her smile fixed. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her falter.

Lunch was served in the grand dining room, the table adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. Elena felt out of place amid the extravagance, her every move scrutinized by Eleanor and Victoria.

As they ate, the conversation turned to Liam's success, his promotion, his future at the company. Eleanor's voice was filled with pride. "You're destined for great things, Liam. Just like your father."

Liam smiled, his eyes shining. "Thanks, Mom. I couldn't have done it without your support."

Eleanor's gaze shifted to Elena. "And of course, you have a supportive wife now. Though... it's quite an adjustment, isn't it? Not every woman is cut out for this life."

Elena's stomach churned. "I'm doing my best to learn."

Victoria leaned back, her expression sly. "You know, Liam's ex, Marissa, adapted so quickly. She was always so confident, so poised. She knew how to handle herself at these events."

The words hung in the air, heavy and cutting. Elena's hands tightened around her napkin under the table. She fought to keep her voice steady. "I'm sure she was... lovely."

Eleanor's smile was sharp. "Oh, she was more than lovely. She was accomplished. A real go-getter. It was a shame when things ended between them."

Elena's heart constricted. She felt Liam's hand rest on hers, a brief squeeze, but he didn't speak up. He didn't defend her.

Victoria continued, her eyes gleaming with malice. "I still remember the way she commanded attention at parties. People admired her. She was unforgettable."

Elena forced a smile, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Well, I'm grateful for the chance to be part of this family now."

Eleanor's gaze was cold. "Yes... we're still adjusting to the change."

The rest of the meal was a blur. Elena's appetite vanished as the comparisons continued, each mention of Marissa a knife to her heart.

After lunch, as they prepared to leave, Eleanor pulled Elena aside, her voice low and patronizing. "I know you're trying, dear. But this world isn't easy. You'll have to work harder to be the woman Liam deserves."

Elena felt her chest tighten, shame washing over her. "I'll do my best."

Eleanor's eyes gleamed with cold satisfaction. "Good. Because he deserves the best."

On the drive home, Elena stared out the window, fighting back tears. Liam was silent, his fingers tapping the steering wheel rhythmically.

Finally, she couldn't hold it in any longer. "Why didn't you say anything? They were comparing me to Marissa the whole time."

Liam sighed, his shoulders slumping. "That's just how they are, Elena. They're not going to change."

His words were a punch to her gut. "You're okay with them treating me like that?"

He glanced at her, his face weary. "Look, I've learned to ignore it. You should too. They don't mean any harm."

Elena's voice trembled. "It hurt, Liam. It felt like... like I wasn't good enough."

His jaw tightened. "I married you, didn't I? Doesn't that prove you're the one I chose?"

Elena looked away, her heart breaking. It wasn't enough to just be chosen. She wanted to be defended, to be loved openly, without hesitation.

But Liam didn't understand. And he didn't see the tears she wiped away before they reached home.

As she walked through their front door, the beautiful house felt cold and empty, the shadows looming larger than before.

That night, Elena lay awake, her body curled into a tight ball beneath the heavy duvet. Liam slept soundly beside her, his breathing deep and even, completely unaware of the turmoil raging within her. She watched his face, so peaceful and relaxed, and wondered how he could be so unaffected.

Her mind replayed the day's events like a cruel, unrelenting loop. Eleanor's sharp words, Victoria's taunting smiles, the mention of Marissa—perfect, unforgettable Marissa. Each memory twisted the knife deeper.

The sting of betrayal was fresh. Not because of Eleanor or Victoria—they had always been cold, critical, impossible to please. No, it was Liam's silence that shattered her. He had watched her struggle, had heard the painful comparisons, and had said nothing. That's just how they are, he had said. As if her pain didn't matter. As if she was supposed to accept the cruelty, just as he had.

Tears pricked her eyes, and she squeezed them shut, willing the ache to go away. But it didn't. It spread, consuming her.

She thought back to the day she chose him. She remembered how sure she'd been, how desperately she had wanted to believe in their love. She had dreamed of buildinga life with him, of creating a family that would stand by each other no matter what. But how could she build anything when she felt so alone?

Quietly, she slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Liam. She needed space, needed to breathe. Her feet carried her downstairs to the kitchen, where she poured herself a glass of water, the cold liquid doing little to ease the tightness in her chest.

She stood by the window, staring out into the darkness. The night was calm, the world outside perfectly still. But inside her, a storm raged.

Her phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a message from her mother.

"Hi, sweetheart. Just checking in. How was the family lunch?"

Elena's fingers trembled as she read the words. She imagined telling her mother everything, pouring out her heart about how isolated she felt, how cruel his family was, how Liam's indifference broke her more than their words ever could.

But she didn't. She couldn't. Her parents had warned her before the wedding, had tried to make her see that marrying into the Harrington family would mean challenges she wasn't prepared for. She had defended Liam then, had been so sure that love would conquer all.

To admit her pain now would be admitting they were right. That she had been wrong.

Her fingers moved quickly, typing a response that felt like a lie. "It was fine. Everything's fine. I love you."

She hit send before she could change her mind, then turned off her phone, unwilling to read her mother's concerned reply.

The kitchen felt suffocating, the walls closing in. She moved to the living room, her eyes drifting over the framed photos on the mantel. Her wedding picture sat proudly in the center, capturing the happiest day of her life.She picked it up, her fingers tracing the curve of her smile, the light in her eyes. She looked at Liam's face, his adoring gaze fixed on her. In that moment, she had believed in forever. She had trusted him completely.

A tear slipped down her cheek, and she set the photo back, her heart aching. Where was that man today? The one who had promised to protect her, to love her unconditionally? She felt foolish for believing in fairytales, for thinking love would shield her from the harshness of his world.

A faint creak echoed behind her, and she turned to see Liam standing at the doorway, his hair tousled from sleep, his expression groggy. "Elena? What are you doing down here?"

Her shoulders stiffened, the pain she had been holding back threatening to break free. "I couldn't sleep."He walked over, his movements slow and heavy. "You shouldn't let them get to you."

Her chest tightened, anger flaring. "Shouldn't let them get to me?" she echoed, her voice trembling. "Do you have any idea how humiliating today was?"

His face softened, his arms reaching out, but she stepped back, the distance between them widening. "They compared me to your ex. They made me feel like I don't belong in your life. And you just stood there, Liam. You didn't say a word."His jaw tightened, a flicker of frustration in his eyes. "What was I supposed to do, Elena? Start a fight with my own family?"

"Yes!" she shot back, her voice cracking. "Or at the very least, defend me. Show them that I matter to you. That I'm your wife."

He ran a hand through his hair, his shoulders sagging. "I've been dealing with their judgment my whole life. It's easier to ignore them. To let it go."

Her heart sank. "But I can't just ignore it. I can't pretend it doesn't hurt when they tear me apart."

He looked away, his silence louder than any argument.

Elena felt her chest constrict, the pain threatening to drown her. "You married me. You chose me. But today, it felt like... like you were ashamed of me."

His head snapped up, his eyes wide with shock. "Ashamed? Elena, I love you. I'm not ashamed of you."

"Then why couldn't you stand up for me?" The question hung in the air, raw and vulnerable.

He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. His shoulders slumped, his eyes downcast. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice broken. "I never meant to hurt you."

Her heart ached, torn between love and pain. She wanted to believe him, to trust in his apology. But the hurt ran too deep, the cracks in her heart widening.

Elena turned away, her voice hollow. "Sorry isn't enough, Liam. Not if nothing changes."

She walked past him, her shoulders trembling, her vision blurred with tears. He didn't follow her, didn't call out her name.

Upstairs, she crawled back into bed, pulling the blankets tight around her. But the coldness lingered, seeping into her bones.

In the darkness, she lay wide awake, her heart heavy, her mind racing.

For the first time, she wondered if love was enough. If she was strong enough to fight for a place in his world when he refused to fight alongside her.

And for the first time, the dream she had once cherished felt fragile, on the verge of shattering.

The morning light crept through the curtains, pale and indifferent. Elena blinked against the brightness, her eyes gritty from lack of sleep. She turned over, expecting to find Liam beside her, but the bed was cold, the sheets undisturbed.

A hollow ache filled her chest. She could still feel the sting of his silence, the emptiness of his apology. Sorry isn't enough. Her own words echoed in her mind, raw and unhealed.

She got up slowly, her body heavy with exhaustion. As she descended the stairs, she heard faint voices from the kitchen. Liam was on the phone, his tone low and guarded.

"I know, Mom... Yes, I understand... No, she's fine... It was just a misunderstanding..."

Elena's heart sank. He's talking about me. She stood frozen on the staircase, her body tensed, unwilling to eavesdrop but unable to move.

"She's just sensitive, that's all," Liam continued, his voice softening. "You didn't do anything wrong... Yes, I'll handle it... Love you too."

The call ended, and Elena felt her throat tighten, anger and hurt swirling inside her. Sensitive. That's how he explained it. Not humiliated, not hurt—just sensitive. As if her pain was an overreaction, an inconvenience.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to step into the kitchen. Liam looked up, his face brightening when he saw her. "Morning, love."

She tried to return his smile, but it felt forced, brittle. "Morning."

He walked over, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I made coffee. Do you want some breakfast?"

Elena shook her head, her appetite nonexistent. "No, I'm fine." She hesitated, then asked, "Who were you talking to?"

Liam's shoulders stiffened, but his smile didn't falter. "Just my mom. She was worried about yesterday."

Her stomach twisted. "Worried about what?"

His gaze shifted, guilt flickering in his eyes. "She thought you seemed upset. I told her everything was fine."

Fine. There it was again, that word that made her feel small and insignificant. "So that's it?" she asked, her voice steady. "You told her I was just being sensitive?"

He flinched, the truth hitting him like a slap. "Elena... It's not like that. I just didn't want to make a big deal out of it. You know how she is—she'd only make it worse."

Her chest tightened, her voice trembling. "You didn't defend me yesterday. You didn't defend me today. When will you?"

Liam's face hardened, his patience wearing thin. "I'm trying to keep the peace, Elena. Do you have any idea how exhausting it is, being stuck in the middle?"

Her jaw clenched, her nails digging into her palms. "I never asked you to be in the middle. I asked you to be on my side. Your wife's side."

He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "You're blowing this out of proportion. They were just teasing you."

Teasing. Another word that minimized her pain, that turned her humiliation into a joke. "Calling me inadequate? Comparing me to your ex? That's teasing to you?"

His face softened, regret clouding his eyes. "I'm not saying it was right. But they don't mean to hurt you. They just... they don't know you the way I do."

She looked at him, her heart aching. "Then help them know me. Show them that I matter to you."

Liam looked away, his shoulders sagging. "It's not that simple. They've always been this way. Even with Marissa. It's just... how they are."

The mention of Marissa was like a punch to the gut. Elena swallowed, her voice breaking. "Then maybe the problem isn't them. Maybe the problem is that you let them."

Liam's head snapped up, his face stunned. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. For a moment, they stood there, the silence heavy and painful.

Elena's eyes stung with tears, and she turned away, her heart splintering. "I need some air," she whispered, grabbing her coat.

Before Liam could stop her, she was out the door, the cold morning wind biting at her skin. She walked aimlessly, her thoughts swirling in chaos. Sensitive. Fine. Teasing. Each word chipped away at her, eroding her sense of self.

She reached the park at the end of the street, collapsing onto a bench, her body trembling. She felt lost, adrift. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. She had imagined marriage as a partnership, a place of safety and love. But she felt exposed, vulnerable, unprotected.

The tears fell freely now, her shoulders shaking. She hated feeling weak, hated that she couldn't just let it go the way Liam did. But she couldn't pretend that his silence didn't hurt, that his loyalty to his family didn't leave her feeling abandoned.She thought about calling her mother, about pouring out all her pain and frustration. But the shame held her back. She had fought so hard to prove that her love was strong enough, that she could be the perfect wife. How could she admit that she was failing?

Her phone buzzed, a message from Liam. "Come home. I'm worried about you."

She stared at the words, her heart aching. She wanted to go home, to fall into his arms and pretend that everything was okay. But she knew that nothing would change. Not if he kept choosing them over her.

Wiping her tears, she stood up, the cold wind whipping through her hair. She would go back, but not because she was ready to forgive. She would go back because she needed answers. She needed to understand why she was fighting alone.

And she needed to decide if she could live with that.

Elena walked back slowly, her feet heavy as she approached their house. It stood pristine and picturesque, the embodiment of the life she had dreamed of. But now, it felt more like a beautiful cage.

Liam was waiting by the window, his silhouette tense. When he saw her, he rushed to the door, relief washing over his face. "Elena..."

She moved past him, her shoulders rigid. "I'm fine." Her voice was flat, distant.

He followed her into the living room, his expression pleading. "I was worried... You just ran out."

She turned to face him, her eyes hard. "I needed space. Something you don't seem to understand."

Liam flinched, his jaw tightening. "I'm trying, Elena. But you keep shutting me out."

She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "I'm not shutting you out, Liam. I'm asking you to let me in. Into your life. Into your family. But every time they tear me down, you stand there and do nothing."

His shoulders sagged, his face etched with guilt. "I don't know how to change them. They've always been like this. My mom... she has her expectations, and Victoria... she just speaks her mind."

"Her mind?" Elena's voice wavered, her pain spilling out. "Her mind that says I'm not good enough? That compares me to your ex like I'm some cheap replacement?"

Liam's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Don't twist it. Marissa has nothing to do with us. She's in the past."

"Is she?" Elena challenged, her gaze unyielding. "Because it sure felt like I was competing with her yesterday. And I lost. To a ghost."

His fists clenched, his voice rising. "Why are you doing this? Why are you so obsessed with what they think?"

Elena's throat tightened, the tears she had been holding back burning her eyes. "Because they're your family. And you won't defend me. You won't stand up to them for me. I'm your wife, Liam... but you're still choosing them."

The words hung in the air, heavy and damning. Liam looked away, his face a mixture of frustration and shame. "You don't understand. They raised me. They've always been there for me. I can't just... turn my back on them."

Elena's shoulders drooped, exhaustion weighing her down. "I'm not asking you to. I'm asking you to make room for me. To show them that I'm part of your life now. That I matter."

Liam's face softened, his eyes searching hers. "You do matter, Elena... I just don't know how to balance it all."

She looked at him, her heart aching. "You shouldn't have to. It should be simple. But it's not, is it?"

He reached out, his fingers brushing her arm. "Please... let's not fight. I hate seeing you like this."

Elena felt herself weakening, the love she still felt for him tugging at her heart. She wanted to believe him, to trust that he would protect her, stand by her. But his actions had already spoken louder than his words.

She took a step back, wrapping her arms around herself. "I can't keep pretending everything's okay. Not when it's tearing me apart."

Liam's face fell, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I don't want to lose you, Elena. I love you."

Her chest tightened, her emotions tangled and raw. "Love isn't just words, Liam. It's standing by someone. Defending them. Choosing them."

He swallowed, his face pale. "I don't know how to fix this."

Elena's voice broke, her pain exposed. "Neither do I." She turned away, her eyes stinging. "I'm going to bed. I need to be alone."

She walked upstairs, her heart heavy, her mind reeling. Liam didn't follow her. His silence echoed through the house, a cruel reminder of the distance growing between them.

She lay awake in the darkness, the pillow damp beneath her cheek. She wanted to scream, to cry, to shatter the perfect image of her marriage that she had worked so hard to maintain. But she was too tired, too defeated.The shadows danced across the ceiling, taunting her, whispering truths she didn't want to face. She had chosen him. She had sacrificed for him. But he hadn't done the same for her.

Elena's heart ached, the pain sharp and unrelenting. She thought of his family's sneers, their cold words slicing through her. She thought of Liam's silence, his refusal to defend her.

And she wondered how much more she could endure before she shattered completely.