Chapter 2 - The House Rules
The first official rule appeared three months after the wedding.
Derek told Elena she should inform him before leaving the house.
“It’s not permission,” he explained. “It’s communication.”
A week later, Marlene introduced another rule. Elena was not to invite friends over without discussing it with her first.
“This house has a reputation,” Marlene said. “We cannot have strangers walking through it.”
Elena reminded her that the so-called strangers were people she had known for years.
Marlene smiled.
“Then they should understand boundaries.”
Slowly, the rules multiplied.
Elena’s phone had to remain downstairs during dinner. She was expected to attend every Hale family event. She could no longer use the home office because Derek claimed confidential company documents were stored there.
Whenever Elena questioned something, Derek accused her of creating conflict.
“Why does everything have to become an argument?” he would ask.
Eventually, Elena learned to remain silent.
Her consulting job became the next target.
Derek insisted she did not need to work because his income was more than enough. Marlene agreed, saying a wife in their social circle should focus on supporting her husband.
Elena refused to resign, but Derek contacted one of her largest clients without telling her. He claimed Elena was dealing with exhaustion and needed fewer responsibilities.
The client postponed their contract.
When Elena discovered what he had done, she confronted him in the kitchen.
“You had no right to speak for me.”
Derek’s expression changed instantly.
“I was protecting you.”
“You damaged my business.”
“I saved you from embarrassing yourself.”
Marlene entered the kitchen and found Elena crying.
Instead of asking what had happened, she looked at Derek.
“This is what comes from marrying a woman who cares more about her career than her family.”
That night, Elena slept in the guest room.
At midnight, Derek entered, apologized, and promised never to interfere with her work again.
By morning, he was affectionate and gentle.
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For several days, Elena convinced herself that the argument had been a mistake.
Then she discovered that the password to her business account had been changed.
