Sacrifice

The days blurred into weeks, and Elena tried to push aside her doubts, focusing instead on supporting Liam in every way she could. It was easier that way—easier to drown her insecurities in acts of love and sacrifice.

Liam had always dreamed big. His latest ambition was to start his own marketing agency. His eyes sparkled with passion when he spoke about it, his hands animated as he sketched out ideas on sheets of paper scattered across their dining table.

"I know this will work, Elena. I just need the right push to get it off the ground," he said one evening, his face lit up with excitement. "I've already reached out to a few potential clients. They're interested. I just... I need a little more capital to get started."

He looked at her with hope, his expression vulnerable.

Elena's heart softened. She wanted to see him succeed, to see his dreams come true. It was her job to support him—that's what marriage was about, wasn't it?

She bit her lip, hesitating. "I... I have some savings. From before the wedding. We could use that."

Liam's eyes widened. "Really? Elena, that would be... that would mean everything to me."

His gratitude was genuine, his face lighting up as he pulled her into a hug. "I knew I married the most amazing woman in the world."

She melted into his embrace, her doubts fading. This was the right thing to do. They were building a future together. Her money was his, just as his dreams were hers.

The next day, she transferred the funds to his account. It was a large sum—money she had saved over the years, meant for emergencies or future plans. But this was an investment in their future, in his vision.

Liam threw himself into his work, pouring his heart and soul into the business. He spent late nights on his laptop, his phone constantly buzzing with calls and messages. Elena watched him with pride, feeling a sense of purpose in supporting his ambitions.

But as the days passed, the ache in her chest grew.

At a family dinner hosted by Liam's parents, they gathered around the long oak table, the air filled with the scent of roasted vegetables and expensive wine. His mother beamed as she turned to Liam. "I heard your business is off to a great start, darling. We're so proud of you."

Liam grinned, his confidence radiating. "It's been challenging, but it's taking off. I've already signed two clients."

His father raised his glass. "That's my son. Always ambitious. I knew you had it in you."

Elena's heart swelled with pride, but when his mother turned to her, the smile didn't reach her eyes. "You must be so lucky to have a husband who's so driven. It's a good thing you don't need to work. Liam can provide for you."

Elena's smile faltered. She opened her mouth to speak, to tell them about the sacrifice she made, about how she was just as invested in this dream as Liam was. But Liam's voice cut through the conversation.

"Yeah, I'm glad Elena's been supportive. It makes it easier to focus on the business."

His mother patted his hand. "You're blessed to have such a good wife. She knows her place."

Elena's stomach twisted. Knows her place. As if her role was simply to stand by and watch, to smile and nod. As if her contribution meant nothing.

She looked at Liam, hoping he would say something—anything—to acknowledge her sacrifice. But he was busy discussing his latest project with his father, his face alight with enthusiasm.

Elena's chest tightened. She felt invisible. Overlooked. It was her money that funded his dream, her support that kept him going. Yet no one knew. No one even thought to ask.

The rest of the dinner passed in a blur. She laughed when she was supposed to, nodded politely, and kept her smile in place. But inside, she felt hollow.

That night, as they lay in bed, she gathered the courage to speak. "Liam... do you think your parents know that I helped with the business?"

Liam looked at her, confusion flickering across his face. "Why would they? It's my business, not theirs."

Her heart sank. "I just... I thought maybe you'd tell them. That I used my savings to help you start it."

Liam's brows knitted together. "Why would I do that? It's not like you did it for the credit, right?"

Elena's throat tightened. "No... of course not. I just... I don't want them to think I'm not contributing."

Liam rolled his eyes, turning onto his side. "You worry too much about what they think. They'll come around eventually."

He turned off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. "Besides, you did it for us, not for them. Why does it matter?"

Elena lay awake, staring at the ceiling, her heart heavy. She told herself he was right—that it didn't matter if anyone knew, as long as they were building something together.

But the silence was deafening. And the ache in her chest grew sharper.

She had made a sacrifice. But it felt more like a loss.

As Liam's breathing evened out beside her, Elena curled up, hugging herself for comfort. She had done it for them. For their future.

But why did it feel like she was fading into the background, becoming a shadow in her own life?

The doubts crept back, whispering in the dark. You gave everything. But what do you get in return?

So Elena kept herself busy, managing the house and making sure everything was perfect when Liam came home exhausted from his meetings and late-night calls. She told herself this was temporary—that once the business stabilized, everything would go back to how it was.

But the nights were getting lonelier.

She was clearing the dinner table one evening when Liam walked in, his face lit up with excitement. "I got the contract!" he announced, his voice bursting with pride. "That client I've been pursuing for weeks—they signed with me today!"

Elena's heart swelled with happiness. She rushed to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Oh my God, Liam! I knew you could do it! I'm so proud of you!"

He hugged her tightly, his hands firm against her back. "I couldn't have done it without you," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

For a moment, relief flooded her. Maybe he did understand her sacrifices after all.

But as they sat down to dinner, his phone buzzed with a message. And then another.

Liam picked up his phone, his face breaking into a wide smile. "Look at this," he said, turning the screen to show her a string of congratulatory messages.

His family group chat was blowing up. His mother had sent a flurry of heart emojis, his father a proud "That's my son!" message, and his sister had posted a photo of champagne glasses, toasting his success.

Elena's smile faltered. "That's... that's great. I'm glad they're proud of you."

Liam's eyes sparkled with joy. "I knew they'd come around eventually. They just needed to see that I could do it on my own."On his own.

The words stung, piercing her chest like tiny shards of glass. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm glad they're celebrating your success. You worked so hard for this."

Liam didn't seem to notice her hesitation. He was too busy typing out replies, his fingers flying across the screen. "I should call them. They're probably celebrating right now. Maybe we can join them later?"

Elena forced a smile. "Yeah... that sounds nice."

As he walked out of the room, already dialing his mother's number, Elena stood there, staring at the half-eaten dinner on the table. She had given up so much for his dream. Her savings, her career ambitions, her time. She had even faced his family's judgment and criticism without complaint.

But in their eyes, her sacrifice was invisible. Liam was the hero. The golden boy who made it on his own.

Her chest tightened, a bitter taste rising in her throat. She cleaned up the plates, her movements mechanical, her mind swirling with unspoken words.

That night, she curled up in bed, her back turned to Liam as he talked animatedly on the phone with his parents in the next room. She closed her eyes, trying to drown out his laughter, his words of triumph.

I did it. I made it happen.

He did. But at what cost?

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, and she reached for it, her heart sinking when she saw the message from her mother.

Mom: Sweetheart, we're worried about you. You've given up so much. Are you sure you're happy?

Elena's eyes burned with tears. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, her vision blurring as she typed out a reply.

Elena: I'm fine, Mom. We're building a future together. It's all worth it.

She hit send before she could change her mind.

Her phone chimed almost immediately.

Mom: Just don't lose yourself, honey. You're worth more than that.

Elena's throat tightened, the words echoing in her mind long after she turned off her phone. You're worth more than that.

But as she listened to Liam laughing with his parents, celebrating his victory, she wondered if he even saw her at all.

Liam's success became the talk of his family, and Elena watched as he basked in their praise. They invited him to dinners, hosted gatherings in his honor, and posted countless pictures on social media, boasting about his achievement.

Elena stood by his side, smiling politely, clapping along with everyone else, and pretending she didn't feel like a shadow in her own life.

One evening, at a lavish dinner party hosted by Eleanor, Liam's mother, the conversations revolved around his growing business. Guests clinked glasses and exchanged proud smiles, praising Liam's ambition and vision.

"You've really made something of yourself, son," Eleanor said, her eyes gleaming with pride. "You've proven to everyone that you have what it takes. I always knew you were destined for greatness."

Liam grinned, his chest swelling with pride. "Thanks, Mom. I just wanted to make you proud."

Eleanor's gaze flicked to Elena, her smile faltering. "Well, you certainly did it all on your own. And look at you now. You don't need anyone holding you back."

Elena's heart sank, the implication clear. Her fingers tightened around her glass, the coolness pressing into her palm. She forced herself to smile, to keep her face neutral.

Liam didn't notice. He was too busy soaking in his mother's approval.

But Victoria, his sister, leaned in, her eyes sharp. "I have to say, Liam, I was surprised when you took the plunge with that investment. It was risky. I didn't think you'd be able to pull it off."

Liam shrugged, a smug smile playing on his lips. "You know me. I take risks when I believe in something."

Elena's chest tightened, the words hitting her like a slap. She wanted to scream, to shout that she was the one who had believed in him first. That it was her savings that had kept his dream alive when the banks turned him down. That she was the one who had made the real sacrifice.

But her voice felt trapped, locked behind the tight smile she wore like armor.

Victoria's gaze slid to Elena, her lips curving into a smirk. "Well, I suppose you do have some support. Elena's been... holding down the fort, hasn't she?"

The words were laced with condescension, a subtle dig that made Elena's cheeks burn. She swallowed, keeping her voice steady. "I'm proud of him. He worked hard to get here."Victoria raised an eyebrow, her eyes glinting. "Yes, well, some people are just born to shine." She sipped her wine, her gaze never leaving Elena's. "Others are meant to... stand in the background."

Laughter rippled around the table, casual and cruel. Elena's stomach twisted, the humiliation burning through her. But Liam didn't notice. He was too busy sharing stories of his success, his eyes alight with pride.

Eleanor's voice cut through the laughter, her tone sweet and cutting. "You know, Elena, you're quite lucky. Most women would give anything to be in your position. A beautiful home, financial security, and a husband who's going places." Her smile sharpened. "You've really... landed on your feet."

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. As if Elena hadn't earned her place. As if she were just a lucky girl who had stumbled into a good life.

Elena's chest tightened, her heart aching. She looked at Liam, silently begging him to say something, to defend her, to acknowledge her sacrifices. But he was lost in his own world, his attention solely on his parents and their praise.

She was invisible.

The dinner dragged on, every word feeling like a knife to her heart. When they finally returned home, Elena could barely breathe, her chest tight with frustration and pain.

Liam unlocked the door, his voice light with joy. "Did you see their faces? I've never seen Dad look so proud." He laughed, his eyes sparkling. "This is it, Elena. Everything's falling into place."

Elena's hands trembled as she set down her purse. Her voice wavered as she spoke, unable to hold back any longer. "They don't respect me, Liam."

He blinked, his smile fading. "What are you talking about?"

"Your family. They treat me like... like I don't matter. Like I'm just here to stand beside you and smile." Her voice broke, the words tumbling out. "I gave up everything for you. My savings, my dreams... I did it all because I believed in you. But they act like you did this all on your own."

Liam's eyes narrowed, his shoulders tensing. "Elena, don't start. They're proud of me. Why do you have to make this about you?"

Her heart shattered at his words, her breath catching. "I'm not trying to take anything away from you. I just... I just want to be seen."

He ran a hand through his hair, his expression growing impatient. "I'm tired, Elena. It was a long night. Can't you just be happy for me?"

Tears filled her eyes, her voice trembling. "I am happy for you. But I'm also hurting. I feel like... like I don't exist when we're with them. Like my sacrifices mean nothing."

Liam sighed, his face hardening. "I don't have time for this. I'm under a lot of pressure, Elena. I don't need you adding to it."

Her heart sank, the weight of his words crushing her. He turned away, heading upstairs without another word, leaving her standing alone in the dark hallway.

The house was silent, the shadows creeping around her as she stood there, feeling more invisible than ever. She had given everything for him. But in his world, she was nothing more than a supporting character in his story.

The walls seemed to close in, the darkness suffocating. She sank to the floor, tears streaming down her face as the realization settled in her chest.

She had sacrificed everything. And no one even noticed.

Elena sat on the cold floor long after Liam's footsteps had faded upstairs. Her tears dried on her cheeks, leaving behind a hollow ache that pulsed with every heartbeat. The darkness around her felt heavy, pressing down on her shoulders as she hugged her knees to her chest.

How did it come to this? she wondered, her mind drifting back to the early days of their marriage, the days when she was his partner, his confidante, his equal. But now... now she felt like a ghost in her own life.

The echoes of laughter from his family's dinner party rang in her ears, each chuckle a reminder of her invisibility. She remembered Eleanor's condescending smile, Victoria's smug remarks, and Liam's proud, oblivious expression.

He doesn't see me, she realized, the thought slicing through her like a knife. None of them do.

With a shaky breath, she pushed herself off the floor and made her way to the kitchen. She needed water—something to soothe the dryness in her throat, the tightness in her chest. She flicked on the light, the harsh brightness stinging her eyes.

As she poured herself a glass of water, her gaze drifted to the stack of bills on the countertop. Unpaid invoices, receipts from the business expenses, the credit card statements... all piling up, all under her name.

She ran her fingers over the papers, her heart sinking as she remembered the day she'd offered to help him. She could still see his eyes lighting up, the gratitude in his voice as he'd hugged her, whispering, "I don't know what I'd do without you."

But now, he barely looked at her.

The realization stung, tears pricking her eyes once more. She had given him her savings, her support, her love. But it was never enough. Would it ever be enough?

A creak from the stairs snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned to see Liam standing at the doorway, his hair tousled, his eyes weary. He looked at her, his expression softening. "Hey..."

Elena quickly wiped her eyes, turning away to hide the redness. "Hey."

Liam stepped into the kitchen, his bare feet padding softly against the tiles. "I didn't mean to snap at you earlier." His voice was low, hesitant. "I've just been... under a lot of pressure."

Elena swallowed the lump in her throat, her fingers tightening around her glass. "I know. I just... I just wish you'd acknowledge me sometimes. I'm doing this with you. We're supposed to be a team."

Liam sighed, leaning against the counter. "I do appreciate you, Elena. I couldn't have done any of this without you. You know that, right?"

She looked up, her eyes searching his face for sincerity. "Then why don't you defend me? Why don't you tell them that this isn't just your success?" Her voice wavered, her pain slipping through the cracks. "Why don't you stand up for me?"

His jaw tightened, his gaze dropping to the floor. "They're... They're just proud of me. It doesn't mean they don't respect you."

"But they don't respect me, Liam. They treat me like an outsider. Like... like I don't belong." Her voice broke, tears spilling over despite her best efforts. "And you just... you just stand there and let them."

Liam's shoulders slumped, guilt flickering across his face. He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to touch her arm. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was hurting you this much."

Elena looked down at his hand, the warmth of his touch both comforting and infuriating. She pulled away, her chest tightening. "You never realize, Liam. You're so wrapped up in their approval... you don't see how much it costs me."

His face fell, hurt flashing in his eyes. "That's not fair."

"Isn't it?" she challenged, her voice trembling. "I gave up my career. I gave you my savings. I stand there smiling while they belittle me, just so you can have their approval. What else do I have to give?"

Liam opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He stared at her, his eyes wide, his face pale. For a moment, she thought she saw understanding, a glimmer of guilt.

But then his expression hardened. He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm doing all of this for us, Elena. Everything I'm working for... it's for our future. Why can't you see that?"

She laughed bitterly, the sound hollow. "I see it. I see it every day. But I don't see us anymore. I just see you."

His eyes flashed with anger. "That's not fair. I'm doing everything I can to provide for us. I thought you understood that."

"I did," she whispered, her shoulders sagging. "But I don't even recognize myself anymore. I don't have a career. I don't have a voice in this family. I've given up everything, Liam... and no one even notices."

Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. Liam looked away, his jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides.

When he finally spoke, his voice was cold, distant. "I can't do this right now. I'm exhausted. I have an important meeting tomorrow."

He turned and walked out of the kitchen, his footsteps echoing down the hall. A door clicked shut moments later, sealing him away from her.

Elena stood alone, her heart breaking all over again. She felt like she was sinking, trapped in a life she no longer recognized. She'd given up everything for him, for their future. But in his world, she was just an accessory, a shadow.

Her knees buckled, and she sank to the floor, the cold tiles pressing against her skin. Her hands shook, her tears falling unchecked as the reality crashed down around her.

The days blurred together, each one heavier than the last. Elena moved through the motions—waking up early, preparing breakfast, tidying the house, balancing the bills. She watched Liam leave every morning, his eyes full of ambition, his shoulders squared with determination. He was chasing his dreams, fueled by her sacrifices, her silent support.But every time the door closed behind him, the house felt colder, emptier.

She spent her afternoons scrolling through job postings, her fingers hovering over the "Apply" button. Her heart ached as she read the descriptions, qualifications she knew she had, opportunities she knew she could excel in. But her resume was growing stale, her experiences becoming irrelevant.

It's just for now, she told herself, closing the laptop for the hundredth time. Once the business is stable, once Liam has what he needs... then I'll go back to work.

But each day that passed, she felt her confidence slipping away.

The phone rang, jolting her out of her thoughts. She quickly wiped her eyes and answered. "Hello?"

"Elena, darling," her mother's voice filled the line, warm and familiar. "How are you, sweetheart?"

A lump formed in Elena's throat. Her mother's voice always had a way of breaking through the walls she tried to build. "I'm fine, Mom. Just busy."

"How's Liam's business? Is everything going well?"

Elena hesitated, glancing at the stack of bills on the table. "It's... It's getting there. He's working hard."

"And you? Have you thought about going back to work? I saw a listing at that marketing firm you used to talk about. You'd be perfect for it."

Elena's heart twisted. "I'm... I'm focusing on supporting Liam right now. He needs me to be here, you know, to help him with everything."

Her mother was quiet for a moment. "I understand, honey. But just make sure you're not losing yourself in the process."

The words hit harder than Elena expected. She forced a laugh. "I'm fine, Mom. Really. I want to do this for him."

"Okay, sweetheart. Just remember, it's okay to want things for yourself too."

After they hung up, Elena sat staring at her phone, her mother's words echoing in her head. It's okay to want things for yourself too.

But wanting anything for herself felt selfish when Liam was working so hard to make his dreams come true.

She got up and started dinner, forcing herself to focus on the familiar routine, trying to drown out the doubts creeping in. She stirred the sauce absentmindedly, her mind drifting to the upcoming investor meeting Liam had mentioned. It was a big opportunity, one that could change everything.

Maybe then, things would get better. Maybe then, he would see her again.

The front door opened, and Liam walked in, his tie loosened, his face drawn with exhaustion. Elena's heart lifted at the sight of him. "Hey! How was your day?"

Liam slumped into a chair, rubbing his temples. "Long. Stressful. I've been going over the numbers all day, and it still feels like we're coming up short."

Elena bit her lip. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

He looked up at her, his eyes weary. "Unless you can pull a miracle investor out of thin air, no. But thanks."She forced a smile, hiding the sting of his dismissive tone. "Dinner's almost ready. Why don't you relax? I'll bring it over."

Liam nodded, his shoulders sagging. "Thanks, babe. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Her heart fluttered at his words, even as she heard the exhaustion in his voice. She quickly plated the food and brought it over, sitting beside him at the dining table. "You'll figure it out. You always do."

He looked at her, his eyes softening. "You really believe in me, don't you?"

Elena smiled, her chest warming. "Always."

For a moment, he reached out, squeezing her hand. "I'm lucky to have you, Elena. I don't say that enough."

Her throat tightened. "I'm the lucky one."They ate in silence, the tension easing just a little. Elena clung to the moment, the warmth of his touch, the softness in his voice. Maybe this is enough, she thought. Maybe this is worth it.

After dinner, Liam went to his office to prepare for the investor meeting. Elena cleaned up, her thoughts swirling. If he succeeds, this will all be worth it. I just have to hold on a little longer.

But late that night, long after Liam had fallen asleep, Elena lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Her mother's voice echoed in her head, her words twisting around Elena's heart. It's okay to want things for yourself too.

She turned on her side, watching Liam's peaceful face as he slept. Her chest ached with love and longing, a silent tear slipping down her cheek.