CHAPTER ONE

Sarah stood alone in the dimly lit kitchen, her shoulders hunched as silent tears streaked down her cheeks. The scent of freshly baked cookies lingered in the air, a stark contrast to the heaviness weighing on her heart. Sarah was a young woman in her late twenties who recently got married to a young aspiring lawyer, named matthew, who she met during her college days. After their marriage, they both moved into their dream house in livingston which was a quiet and peaceful town. As Sarah wept silently, she rest her head upon the edge of the countertop, lost in memories of a time when laughter filled their home and love danced in every corner.

As the soft glow of the kitchen light illuminated her features, Sarah couldn't shake the painful realization that her husband, once her rock, had become distant and indifferent. He used to shower her with affection, his gentle touch and loving words making her feel cherished and adored. But now, his gestures were few and far between, replaced by silence and neglect.

She remembered the early days of their marriage, when they would spend hours talking and laughing over dinner, their dreams intertwining as they planned their future together. But lately, their conversations had grown stale, filled with empty words and awkward silences. Sarah longed for the warmth of his embrace, the reassurance of his love, but it seemed as though he had forgotten how to show her that she mattered.

After baking the cookies, Sarah put some of the cookies in her plate and solemnly went back to her room. Sarah sat on the edge of their bed, flipping through an old photo album she had found while cleaning out their closet. The pages were filled with memories, captured in faded photographs and scribbled notes from a time long ago. As she turned a page, a particular photo caught her eye - a young couple, smiling widely in front of a campus building, their arms around each other.

She chuckled softly, remembering the day that picture was taken. It was their senior year of college, and Sarah had been rushing across campus, a stack of books clutched to her chest. She barely noticed the young man who nearly collided with her until he apologized profusely, his blue eyes wide with concern.

"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" he asked, reaching out a hand to steady her.

Sarah had laughed, slightly out of breath from her brisk walk. "I'm fine, just a little distracted."

He introduced himself as Matthew, and they fell into an easy conversation. He had a way of making her feel comfortable, his quick wit matching her own. They discovered they had several things in common and decided to walk together.

They spent that afternoon sharing stories, discovering shared interests, and laughing at each other's jokes. By the time they parted ways, Sarah knew she wanted to see him again.

Their friendship deepened over the next few weeks. They studied together in the library, attended campus events, and shared late-night conversations about their dreams and fears. Sarah found herself falling for Matthew's kindness, his intelligence, and his unwavering support.

One chilly evening, as they walked back from campus, Matthew stopped under a streetlight and turned to her, his eyes earnest.

"Sarah, I know this might seem sudden, but I really like you. Would you want to go on an actual date with me sometime?" he asked nervously.

Sarah had smiled, feeling her heart race with excitement. "I'd love to," she had replied.

Their first official date was a simple affair - a picnic in the park with sandwiches they had made together. They talked for hours until the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.

As Sarah reminisced, she started crying again wondering what had caused this strange behavior from her husband in recent times. Matthew would sometimes come home late and drunk from work, he would also make several excuses to avoid spending time with his wife, Sarah and occasionally shout on her when frustrated. All these strange attitudes exhibited by matthew really shocked Sarah because she knew matthew so well. Sarah remembered that during their college days and even till the early days of their marriage, matthew was a very loving, caring and open person. Matthew was so open to Sarah in the past to the extent that any problem he faced, he would always tell Sarah. She remembered one sunny Saturday morning, when Matthew nervously approached her as she sipped her coffee and said "Sarah, there's something I need to tell you," he began, looking more serious than usual.

Sarah looked up from her magazine, concern etched on her face. "What is it, Matthew? You look worried."

Taking a deep breath, Matthew confessed, "My father passed away a long time ago. It's just been my mom and me since then."

Sarah reached across the table and took Matthew's hand. "I'm so sorry, Matthew. I had no idea."

He nodded, his eyes searching hers for understanding. "I didn't want to keep it from you any longer, especially now that you're going to meet my family."

Sarah squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Thank you for telling me. I'm sure your mom is an amazing woman. I can't wait to meet her."

After telling Sarah this, Matthew smiled gratefully at Sarah. "She's going to love you, I just know it."

Later that week, Matthew and Sarah drove up to his childhood home, a quaint cottage surrounded by a lush garden. Matthew's mom, Helen, greeted them at the door with open arms and a warm smile. She was a petite woman with a gentle demeanor and eyes that sparkled with kindness.

"Matthew, Sarah, it's so wonderful to finally meet you!" Helen exclaimed, pulling them both into a hug.

Sarah felt an immediate connection to Helen as they chatted over tea. Matthew's childhood pictures adorned the walls, and Sarah noticed the absence of any recent photos of his father. Sensing her curiosity, Helen gently explained, "Matthew's father passed away when he was just a boy. It's been the two of us ever since."

Sarah nodded, understanding why Matthew had been hesitant to share this part of his life. She admired how strong both Matthew and his mother had been, carrying on despite the loss.

As they sat down for lunch, Matthew stole a glance at Sarah, who was engaged in a lively conversation with Helen. He knew he had made the right decision in telling her about his father.

That evening, as they drove back home, Sarah turned to Matthew with a smile. "Your mom is wonderful, Matthew. I'm so glad I got to meet her."

Matthew squeezed her hand, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "I'm glad you think so. Thank you for being understanding about everything."

Sarah leaned over and kissed him gently on the cheek. "Always, Matthew. We're in this together." As they drove off into the sunset, Matthew felt a deep sense of gratitude for Sarah and the love they shared.

As Sarah mulled over these thoughts, she realized that the day was far spent and decided to pick up her phone to call matthew in order to know his whereabouts but he didn't pick her call. After eating the cookies, Sarah stood up from their bed and went to the kitchen to drop her plate Sarah washed the dirty dishes in the kitchen and carefully arrange them in the cabinet as she was doing these, a thought came to her mind, she planned on meeting matthew's close friend John in order to find out what was wrong with her husband. John and matthew have been close friends since their college days. John was also matthew's best man on their wedding day, so it was logical for Sarah to think that John may have an idea on what was going on in her husband's life.

Suddenly, the sound of keys jingling in the front door interrupted sarah's thought. Matthew was back home. She heard him drop his suitcase before appearing in the kitchen doorway looking drowsy. Matthew stumbled inside the kitchen, his footsteps heavy and uneven. Sarah, who had been standing in the kitchen, looked up in surprise. She left the dishes she was washing, concern etched on her face as she watched her husband sway slightly in the hallway.

"Matthew?" she called softly, her voice laced with worry.

He turned toward her, a lopsided smile on his face. "Hey, Sarrrahhh," he slurred, struggling to pronounce her name.

Sarah's heart sank as she approached him. She could smell the alcohol on his breath and see the glazed look in his eyes. This wasn't like Matthew; he rarely drank, and when he did, it was usually just a beer or two with friends. She gently took his arm and guided him toward the couch.

"Matthew, what's going on?" she asked quietly, trying to keep her voice steady.

He flopped down on the couch heavily, staring up at the ceiling. "Nothing, Sarah, just had a rough day," he mumbled, his words slurred together.

Sarah sat down beside him, her mind racing with worry. She had to find out what was going on with him.

" Matthew, i am here for you" she said softly, reaching out to touch his arm. "you can talk to me. Please tell me what is going on."

Matthew sighed heavily and got up from the chair. He then headed to their room, Sarah tries to prevent him from going to the room by staying in front of him and saying.

"Matthew, you better tell me what is up with you unless you will not enter this room."

Matthew pushed her away and she hit her head on the floor causing a minor injury on her forehead. She began crying bitterly but matthew felt indifferent. Matthew climbed on the bed and slept off while his wife, Sarah remained on the ground weeping profusely.



CHAPTER TWO

On the next morning, Sarah woke up with a throbbing ache on her forehead, a stark reminder of the previous night's events. She lay in bed, her mind racing, trying to make sense of what had happened. She stared at the ceiling, the tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't let this slide. not this time.

Matthew was already up and getting ready for work. His routine since he developed this strange behavior was the same every morning, up at 5 AM, a quick shower, and off to the office by 6. He felt a mix of guilt and shame as he glanced at Sarah, still asleep, with a fading bruise on her forehead. He knew he had messed up badly last night.

As Matthew rushed to leave, Sarah quietly watched him from the bedroom door. She knew she couldn't let this go unaddressed. She needed help. She grabbed her phone and sent a message to John, Matthew's longtime friend and colleague.

"John, can we meet today? It's urgent. Please."

John, who had just arrived at the office and was settling into his desk, was surprised to see Sarah's message. They weren't close, but he had always admired Sarah. She was smart, kind, and seemed to be the anchor in Matthew's life. He replied immediately, "Of course, Sarah. Are you okay?"

Sarah took a deep breath before typing, "No, I'm not. Something happened last night. I need to talk to you."

John's heart sank. He knew Matthew occasionally had a temper, but violence? That was new, and deeply concerning. He messaged back, "Let's meet for coffee at 10 AM. I'll come to you."

Sarah nodded to herself. She felt a sense of relief knowing she wasn't alone in this. She quickly got dressed and waited anxiously for John to arrive.

Meanwhile, at the office, Matthew couldn't concentrate. He kept replaying the events of the previous night in his head. He was scared - scared of what he had done, scared of what Sarah might do, scared of losing her.

When John arrived at Sarah and Matthew's house, Sarah let him in with a solemn expression. They sat down in the living room, and Sarah began to tell John about the previous night. She recounted the event and argument she had with her husband the previous night and how she was now afraid of Matthew.

John listened quietly, his mind racing. He had known Matthew for years, but this was a side of him he had never seen. "Sarah, I'm so sorry you're going through this," John said, his voice filled with genuine concern. "You don't deserve this."

Sarah nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I don't know what to do, John. I love him, but I can't live like this."

John reached out and took her hand. "Let me talk to Matthew," he said firmly. "He needs help, Sarah. And he needs to understand the gravity of what he's done."

Sarah nodded again, grateful for John's support. They discussed a plan, and John promised to confront Matthew as soon as possible.

After this discussion between john and Sarah, john drove to his workplace which is also the same place matthew worked. Matthew and John were both legal officials. They both worked for a reputable law firm in livingston, although john usually handle private cases outside the law firm. As John drove to the office he was worried about his friend Matthew and Sarah. He knew Matthew and Sarah had been going through a rough patch lately, but the argument last night seemed to have escalated into something serious.

John mulled over what he was going to say. He cared deeply for his friend and wanted to help, but he also didn't want to intrude. Matthew was a private person, especially when it came to his relationship with Sarah.

Arriving at the office building, John spotted Matthew through the glass doors, deep in thought at his desk. Matthew looked up and saw John approaching, a mix of surprise and relief crossing his face.

"Hey, John," Matthew greeted him as they shook hands. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to check on you, buddy," John said, his concern evident. "Last night sounded pretty intense. Are you okay?"

Matthew sighed, looking worn out. "Yeah, it was rough."

John nodded sympathetically. "Have you two talked about what's been bothering you?"

Matthew replied "not really, I have been finding it difficult to talk to Sarah of recent."

"I'm sorry to hear that," John said. "Maybe you guys need to take a step back and really listen to each other. Relationships take work, man. You can't let these things fester."

Matthew looked down, his brow furrowed in thought. "I know you're right. I will try to have a proper conversation with her tonight."

John put a reassuring hand on Matthew's shoulder. " Sarah loves you alot. You just need to figure out how to communicate better."

Matthew nodded slowly. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, John. I appreciate you coming here."

"Anytime, buddy," John said with a smile. "Just remember, I'm here for you. And I'm sure Sarah feels the same way."

Matthew nodded again, a bit more resolved. "I'll talk to her tonight. Hopefully, we can sort things out."

"That's the spirit," John said, clapping him on the shoulder. "And if you ever need to talk, you know where to find me, you can also try to call or text me." As john and matthew were discussing, john received an important phone call from one of his client concerning a case in another town. John informed matthew about it and they both greeted each other before john left the office.

As John left the office, he felt a sense of relief mingled with concern. He hoped his words had helped Matthew in some way. Relationships were never easy, but with a little support and understanding, they could weather any storm.

Sarah sat at the kitchen table awaiting the return of matthew from work, the soft glow of a single lamp casting long shadows across the room. Her fingers traced the rim of her coffee cup, the steam curling upwards in the still air. She had spent the day thinking about the conversation she and Matthew needed to have, the issues that had been piling up between them, and the argument that had erupted the night before.

The clock ticked past midnight when Sarah heard a car pull up in front of the house. She peered through the curtains and saw Matthew stumbling out of the passenger seat, helped by a woman she didn't recognized . Sarah's heart sank once again.

The woman practically carried Matthew up the steps, and Sarah opened the door just as they reached it. The woman introduce herself as Josephine. She was a senior co worker of matthew. "He's really had too much," Josephine said gently, her eyes sympathetic. "I found him at the bar. He couldn't drive."

"Thank you for bringing him home," Sarah replied, her voice tight with a mix of gratitude and frustration.

Together, they managed to get Matthew inside and onto the couch. He mumbled incoherently, his eyes half-open before he fell into a deep, alcohol-induced sleep. Josephine looked at Sarah with concern. "I'm sorry, Sarah. This isn't the first time, is it?"

Sarah shook her head, feeling tears prick at her eyes. "No, it's not."

Josephine sighed and put a comforting hand on Sarah's shoulder. "I know it's hard. Matthew talks about you often at work, and I can tell he loves you. But he's struggling with something. Maybe it's time for him to get some help."

Sarah nodded, the weight of Josephine's words settling heavily on her. "I know. I just don't know how to get through to him."

Josephine squeezed her shoulder. "Start by taking care of yourself. You can't help him if you're falling apart. And maybe, when he's sober, try to talk to him about seeking professional help. It's not a failure to admit you need it."

After Josephine left, Sarah stood over Matthew, watching him sleep. The frustration and anger from the previous night seemed to have aggravated. She pulled a blanket over him and sat back down at the kitchen table, her coffee now cold.

With a heavy heart, Sarah wiped away her tears and finished her coffee. She knew she couldn't continue living in a marriage like this, but the thought of confronting her husband filled her with uncertainty, fear and anger.

As she stood in the quiet kitchen, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her, Sarah made a silent vow to herself. She would no longer allow herself to be ignored or neglected. She deserved to be loved and cherished, and if her husband couldn't give her that anymore, then she would find the strength to seek happiness elsewhere. With a newfound determination, Sarah dried her tears and took the first step towards reclaiming her life, knowing that she deserved nothing less than the love she once had.

Morning light filtered through the windows when Matthew finally stirred. He groaned, clutching his head, and blinked up at Sarah, who had barely moved all night.

"We need to talk, Matthew," she said quietly, her voice steady. "Not just about last night, but about everything. I can't do this alone, and I don't think you can either, tell me for the last time what is going on."

Matthew however did not utter a single a word, he just got up and head straight to the bathroom to take his bath and go to work. Sarah therefore decides that she can't take this anymore, she has already decided her next move which was to leave matthew's life and the marriage for good. His strange attitudes and inexplicable coldness had chipped away at her resolve, and his refusal to communicate left her feeling isolated and unloved.

She heard the water stop running in the bathroom. The sound of the shower curtain being pulled back and the soft thud of Matthew's feet on the bathroom tiles made her heart race. She hurriedly packed her belongings into the suitcase and zipped the suitcase, knowing that confrontation was imminent.

Matthew emerged, towel wrapped around his waist, droplets of water still clinging to his skin. He froze when he saw the suitcase.

"Sarah, what are you doing?" His voice was thick with disbelief.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I'm leaving, Matthew. I can't do this anymore. I don't know what's wrong with you, and you won't tell me. I can't keep living in this uncertainty."

He stepped closer, desperation etched on his face. "Please, Sarah, don't go. We can figure this out. I just need more time." Sarah was surprised when she heard these words from matthew because for several days he has been ignoring her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she shook her head. "I've given you time, Matthew. I've tried to be patient, to understand. But you shut me out. I can't help you if you won't let me in."

He reached out to touch her arm, but she pulled away, her resolve firm. "I love you, Matthew, but I need to take care of myself too. I can't keep sacrificing my own well-being for a relationship that's falling apart."

Matthew's shoulders slumped, and he let his hand fall to his side. "I don't know how to fix this," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sarah felt a pang of sympathy but knew that staying would only prolong the pain for both of them. "Neither do I," she said softly. "But maybe some time apart will help us find the answers we need."

With one final look at Matthew, she picked up her suitcase and walked to the door. Her heart ached with every step, but she knew it was the right decision. She needed to find herself again, away from the shadows of Matthew's secrets.

As she walked toward the door, suitcase in hand, Matthew rushed forward, pinning her gently but firmly against the wall. "Wait, Sarah, please," he pleaded, his voice breaking.

"Let go of me, Matthew," she said, struggling against his grip. "You can't just keep me here without telling me what's going on

His eyes filled with tears as he finally spoke the words he had been dreading. "I found out I'm impotent, Sarah. I can't father a child."

Sarah froze, the words sinking in. "What?"

He loosened his grip, stepping back slightly but keeping his gaze locked on hers. "I didn't know how to tell you. I know how much you've always wanted to have your own children, how much we talked about it during college. I felt like I was taking that dream away from you. I've been so ashamed and scared of losing you that I shut down."

She stood there, stunned, as his confession hung in the air. The pain in his eyes was undeniable, and her heart ached for him. "Matthew, why didn't you tell me? We could have faced this together." When did you find out?"About a month ago," he replied, looking away."A month?" she echoed, incredulous. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? We could have faced this together."Matthew's jaw tightened. "I didn't want to burden you."Sarah's eyes filled with tears, her voice shaking. "We're married, Matt. We're supposed to share everything, especially the tough times. How could you keep this from me?"Matthew's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Because I knew you'd react like this. All you care about is having children. Dumb, perfect little children to complete your perfect life."

Sarah's mouth fell open. "How can you say that? This isn't just about children. It's about us, our relationship. I care about you, Matt. I wanted to support you.""Support me?" he snapped. "You think your support will change anything? You've been so fixated on having kids that you haven't noticed anything else."Sarah stood up, her face flushed with anger. "That's not fair. I wanted a family with you. I thought we were on the same page."Matthew rose to his feet as well, his voice rising. "You wanted a family at any cost. But did you ever stop to think about what I wanted? How I felt?"

Sarah's eyes filled with tears. "Matt, I'm trying to be supportive here. But you're pushing me away. Sarah stepped back, her voice trembling. "Maybe we need some time apart. To think."She turned and picked up her luggage, heading for the front door. A sudden panic seized Matthew. "You're not leaving," he said, his voice low and dangerous.Sarah froze, then continued walking. "I need some space, Matt."In a blur of motion, Matthew crossed the room and grabbed her, pinning her against the wall. "You're not leaving me," he growled, his eyes wild. In a moment of blind rage, he hit her, the sound echoing in the room.Sarah gasped, tears streaming down her face. "Matthew, let me go. You can't do this."He tightened his grip, his voice trembling with anger and desperation. "If you leave, you'll regret it. You stay. We'll figure this out together."Sarah looked at him, fear and sorrow in her eyes. "This isn't you, Matt. Please, let me go." He tightened his grip further and told her "If you dare leave this house I will hunt you down and kill you" before he then released her and went out of the house. Out of fear Sarah remained in the house uncertain about what will happen next in her life but in her heart, she also knew she had to find a way out, to reclaim her safety.

CHAPTER THREE

Days turned into an oppressive blur. Matthew kept Sarah confined in their house, the tension mounting with every passing hour. He believed he was protecting their marriage, but in truth, he was only deepening the chasm between them. For several days, Matthew would leave for work, locking Sarah inside. She would pound on the door, her shouts of "Let me go!" reverberating through the walls, this became their grim routine. Each scream cut Matthew deeply, yet he convinced himself it was for the best.One evening, after returning home, Matthew found Sarah sitting by the window, her eyes hollow and tear-streaked. "Please, Matthew," she whispered, her voice broken. "You can't keep doing this to me." but matthew didn't reply her instead he went straight to his room.

One fateful night, after days of being confined, Sarah decided she had had enough. She couldn't live like a prisoner any longer. Determined, she formulated a plan to escape. She waited until she heard Matthew's snoring, then quietly crept to the door, careful to avoid the creaky floorboards. Her heart pounded in her chest as she reached for the key she had seen Matthew hide in the kitchen drawer.But Matthew wasn't asleep. He had suspected Sarah might try to escape and had been feigning sleep. Just as Sarah's fingers closed around the key, he was there, towering over her with a mix of anger and betrayal etched on his face. For a moment, his eyes softened, and his voice cracked as he tried to talk to her. "Sarah, please, don't do this," he pleaded, his tone filled with a twisted kind of love. But Sarah was resolute; she had made up her mind. "I can't live like this anymore, Matthew. I need to go," she insisted, her voice unwavering despite the fear she felt.Matthew's emotional fa?ade shattered, replaced by a furious rage. He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her violently. "You can't leave me! You belong to me!" he shouted, his voice booming through the house. Sarah's defiance only made him angrier, and he began to hit her, each blow landing harder than the last. Her screams pierced the night, disturbing the whole suburban neighborhood.

Mrs. Peggy, their elderly neighbor, who has been residing in livingston town for over twenty years had just settled into bed when she heard the terrifying sounds coming from next door. She hesitated for a moment, listening intently, before deciding to investigate. She knew something was terribly wrong. She grabbed her phone and called the police before rushing out the door, her nightgown flapping in the cool night air.By the time Mrs. Peggy reached the house, she could hear Sarah's cries for help growing weaker. She banged on the door, shouting for Matthew to stop, but it was the sound of the approaching sirens that finally made him halt. Realizing what he had done, Matthew sank to the floor, his anger dissipating into a cold, numbing regret.The police arrived swiftly, breaking down the door and arresting Matthew. Paramedics rushed in to tend to Sarah, who was bruised and battered but alive. Mrs. Peggy watched as Sarah was carried out on a stretcher, her heart aching for the young woman who had endured so much.As the ambulance drove away, Mrs. Peggy made a silent vow to be there for Sarah, to help her rebuild her life after the nightmare she had endured. The dark chapter of Sarah's life with Matthew had ended, but a new chapter of healing and freedom was about to begin.

Sarah was admitted into St. Mary hospital, a small communal hospital in livingston. As several days passed, Sarah was regaining her strength little by little thanks to the treatment of the doctor as well as the support from Mrs peggy. Mrs peggy has always been a pillar of support ever since Sarah was admitted into the hospital. At seventy two her steps had slowed, but her spirit remained unyielding. Every morning, she walked the short distance to the hospital, her cane tapping a steady rhythm on the pavement. Today was no different. She carried a small bouquet of daisies, Sarah's favorite. Mrs. Peggy's heart ached every time she saw Sarah's injuries, but she was determined to help her young neighbor find the strength to move on."Hello, dear," Mrs. Peggy greeted softly as she entered the room. Sarah turned her head, managing a faint smile."Hi, Mrs. Peggy."Mrs. Peggy placed the flowers in a vase on the bedside table. "How are you feeling today?""Better, I guess," Sarah replied, though her voice lacked conviction.

Mrs. Peggy pulled up a chair and sat down, taking Sarah's hand in hers. "I want to tell you a story, Sarah. About a time when I faced something similar."Sarah looked at her, curiosity momentarily brightening her eyes."When I was about your age, I married a man named Harold," Mrs. Peggy began. "He was charming and kind at first, but after a few years, he changed. He became angry, violent. I felt trapped, much like you do now."Sarah squeezed Mrs. Peggy's hand. "What did you do?"Mrs. Peggy sighed, her eyes distant with memories. "It wasn't easy, dear. I was afraid. But one day, I realized that staying was slowly killing me. So, I gathered the courage and left. I had to start over with nothing, but it was worth it. I found peace, and eventually, happiness again."Tears welled up in Sarah's eyes. "But I'm scared. What if I can't make it on my own?""You can, Sarah. You are stronger than you think. Look at you, surviving this, still standing. You have more courage than you realize." Mrs. Peggy's voice was firm but gentle."But where do I start?""First, you need to believe that you deserve better. Then, take one step at a time. There are resources and people willing to help you. I'll be here, every step of the way."Sarah nodded, a glimmer of hope appearing in her eyes. "Thank you, Mrs. Peggy. I don't know what I would do without you."Mrs. Peggy smiled warmly. "You're not alone, Sarah. Remember that. And one day, you'll look back and see how far you've come. Life can be beautiful again, I promise." With these words, Sarah gained more strength and she was more optimistic about her future.

CHAPTER FOUR

Josephine sat at her desk, the sunlight filtering through the blinds of her corner office. Her eyes scanned the letter in her hand for the third time. It was a terse missive from the firm's managing partner, notifying her of Matthew's dismissal due to his prolonged absence. As Matthew's senior colleague, it was her duty to handle this unfortunate task, yet something about the situation nagged at her. Matthew's absence had been uncharacteristically long, and she had heard nothing from him or his wife, Sarah.Deciding to take matters into her own hands, Josephine left the office early and drove to Matthew and Sarah's home in livingston. The neighborhood was quiet, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the lawns. She knocked on the front door, but there was no answer. She knocked again, louder this time, but the silence remained."Can I help you?" a voice called out.Josephine turned to see a woman in her mid 50's standing on the porch of the house next door. "I'm looking for Matthew and Sarah," she said. "I'm a colleague of Matthew's, and I haven't heard from him in a while." The woman's face clouded with concern. "You don't know, do you? Matthew was arrested last week. He...he beat Sarah. Badly. She's in the hospital."Josephine's heart sank. "Where is she?""St. Mary's. Intensive care."Without another word, Josephine rushed back to her car and drove to the hospital, her mind racing. Matthew, who had always been so composed and kind, a domestic abuser? She couldn't reconcile the man she knew with the actions he was accused of. At the hospital, Josephine navigated the sterile hallways until she found the intensive care unit. She spotted Sarah's room and knocked gently before entering. Sarah lay in the bed, her face bruised and bandaged, her arm in a cast. She opened her eyes slowly as Josephine approached."Sarah, it's Josephine," she said softly. "I'm so sorry to see you like this. What happened?"Tears welled in Sarah's eyes. It started a few weeks ago. Matthew told me he was impotent. He couldn't accept it. He became angry, took it out on me. I tried to help him, but he refused to talk to anyone. Last week, it got so bad that a neighbor called the police."Josephine's heart broke for Sarah. "Why didn't you tell anyone? Why didn't you ask for help?"Sarah looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was ashamed. I didn't want anyone to know. I thought I could fix it." Josephine took Sarah's hand gently. "Your safety is more important than any thing. You did the right thing by getting away."As she sat with Sarah, Josephine's mind wandered to Matthew. She knew he would face the consequences of his actions, but she couldn't help but mourn the loss of the colleague she once admired. The letter in her bag seemed inconsequential now compared to the real, human tragedy before her."I'll make sure you have everything you need," Josephine promised Sarah. Before leaving, she gave Sarah some money to take care of herself and also assure Sarah of her support. The next day, Josephine found out the station where Matthew was being held and obtained permission to see him.Entering the stark visitation room, Josephine saw Matthew on the other side of the glass, his face a picture of misery. He looked up as she sat down, his eyes red and swollen."Josephine," he began, his voice cracking. "I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen."Josephine felt a surge of anger. "How could you do this, Matthew? How could you hurt Sarah like that?"Matthew's tears flowed freely. "I couldn't handle it. The news about my impotence...it broke me. I took it out on her, and now I've lost everything."Josephine took a deep breath, fighting to keep her composure. "I've been sent here to give you this." She slid the dismissal letter through the slot. "You're fired, Matthew. You brought this on yourself."Matthew's face crumpled as he read the letter. "Please, Josephine. Help me get out of here. Help me get back to Sarah. I need to make things right."Josephine shook her head, her voice firm. "I can't help you right now, Matthew. You need to face the consequences of your actions. Sarah needs time to heal, and so do you. Maybe one day, but not now." As josephine left the police station she felt very bad for Matthew and hope one day to get him out of jail so that he can restart his life all over again.

After few weeks, Sarah was discharged from st. Mary's hospital after being cleared to go home by the doctor. Sarah winced as she slowly descended from the car, clutching her side. The bruises from Matthew's outburst were still fresh, a painful reminder of the nightmare she had endured. Mrs. Peggy was by her side, offering support and a warm, comforting presence."Easy does it, dear," Mrs. Peggy said softly, her frail hands surprisingly strong as she helped Sarah navigate the front steps of her home. The door creaked open, and the familiar scent of lavender and fresh paint greeted her. She stood in the foyer, taking in the house that had once felt like a dream come true. The memories came flooding back: the joy and excitement of moving in after their honeymoon, the laughter that once filled these walls. She could almost see herself and Matthew, young and hopeful, unpacking boxes and planning their future.But those days felt like a lifetime ago. Now, the house felt like a prison.Mrs. Peggy watched as Sarah's eyes scanned the living room, lingering on the photographs that lined the mantelpiece. "You've been so brave, Sarah," she said gently. "But it's time to think about your safety and happiness."Sarah nodded, her decision firm. "I can't do this anymore, Mrs. Peggy. I can't keep living in fear."With Mrs. Peggy's help, Sarah gathered the essentials: clothes, important documents, a few cherished keepsakes. Each step felt both heavy and liberating, the weight of her past clinging to her even as she moved toward freedom.She paused at the threshold of their bedroom, the place where she had often sought refuge and found only more pain. She remembered the nights spent crying herself to sleep, praying for a change that never came. With a deep breath, she turned away, refusing to take any part of that room with her.Downstairs, Mrs. Peggy had already packed a small suitcase. "I'll be here, dear," she assured Sarah. "You can stay with me as long as you need."Sarah gave the house one last look. She saw the dining room where they had hosted their first dinner party, the kitchen where they had cooked meals together, and the garden where they had dreamed of raising a family. But those dreams were shattered now, replaced by a harsh reality she could no longer ignore.She stepped outside, feeling the sun on her face, the air fresher than she remembered. She was leaving behind a chapter filled with pain, but she was stepping into the unknown with a sense of hope.As she and Mrs. Peggy walked away, Sarah felt a strange mix of sorrow and relief. She was sad for the love that had turned to violence, but she was also hopeful for a future free from fear. It was a new beginning, one she knew she deserved."Thank you, Mrs. Peggy," Sarah said, her voice breaking but determined. "For everything."Mrs. Peggy smiled, her eyes full of warmth and encouragement. "You're stronger than you know, Sarah. And you're not alone."With that, they drove away, leaving the past behind. Sarah didn't know what the future held, but she knew she had made the right choice. For the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope. And that, she realized, was the first step toward healing.

CHAPTER FIVE

Josephine's second visit to matthew was about to crush matthew's hope of ever getting back with Sarah. Josephine's hands trembled slightly as she clutched the crisp envelope, the letter inside a final testament to the unraveling of lives. As she approached the towering gates of the prison, a heavy sense of inevitability weighed her steps. Today, she bore a message that would extinguish the last flicker of hope in his eyes. The echo of her footsteps accompanied her down the stark, sterile hallway. She was led by a guard who barely acknowledged her, his expression a practiced indifference. When she reached the visitation room, she saw Matthew sitting at the table, a faint hope lighting up his tired face as he saw her."Josephine," he greeted her, his voice hoarse with anticipation. "Have you brought news from Sarah? How is she?"Josephine took a deep breath, her eyes avoiding his for a moment. "Matthew," she began, sitting across from him and placing the envelope on the table. "Sarah sent this."Matthew reached for the envelope with a mix of eagerness and dread. His fingers fumbled as he opened it, pulling out the neatly folded letter inside. As his eyes scanned the words, his face fell. The silence stretched unbearably until it was broken by a choked sob."She? she's divorcing me?" Matthew's voice cracked. "She's moved on?"Josephine nodded, her heart heavy with sympathy. "Yes, Matthew. She's made her decision. She's already started a new life."Matthew broke down, his shoulders shaking with the weight of his grief. "No, no, this can't be happening. Josephine, you have to help me. Get me out of here. I need to see her, to beg her to take me back."Josephine watched him, her resolve hardening. "Matthew, it's too late. Sarah has moved on, and you need to accept that."He looked at her, desperation etched into every line of his face. "Please, Josephine. I can't lose her like this. I need to see her, to explain."Josephine sighed deeply. "There's one condition, Matthew. If I help you get out of here, you have to leave Sarah alone. You must move on with your life and let her live hers."Matthew's eyes, filled with tears, searched hers for a sign of hope. But he remained silent, unable to promise what she asked."Matthew," she said softly, "if you truly love Sarah, you'll let her be happy. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone you love is to let them go."The room fell into a profound silence, only broken by the distant sounds of the prison. Matthew's head hung low, his tears falling onto the letter that marked the end of his marriage. Josephine stood up, leaving the envelope on the table, a silent testament to broken and shattered dreams. As she walked away, she hoped that Matthew would find the strength to accept the new reality and perhaps, in time, find a way to rebuild his life. But she knew that the journey ahead for him would be long and filled with heartache, just as it had been for Sarah.

After several months, Josephine managed to arrange matthew's bail, a complicated and costly endeavor but she hoped it would offer him a chance to start anew. She waited outside the prison's gate, her car idling as she watched the heavy doors slowly open. Matthew emerged his face a mix of relief and lingering sorrow. As matthew approached the car, she rolled down the window and gave him a tentative smile. " Ready to go home?". He nodded climbing into the passengers seat. The drive was mostly silent, the weight of unspoken thought hanging between them. Josephine occasionally glanced over at him noticing the lines of strain and shadow under his eyes.

" Matthew," she began gently " I know this is hard, but you have to try and move on with your life. Sarah has made her decision. You should also try to make good decisions and find happiness, too." Matthew stared out the window, His voice barely above a whisper " I don't know how josephine, everything I had is gone." " it is not gone," she replied, trying to sound encouraging. It is just different you have to give yourself a second chance."

They pulled up to his house, the place that once held many memories now felt like a hollow shell. Josephine squeezed his shoulder. " Take care of yourself, Matthew. And remember, you can always reach out to me if you need anything." He nodded his gratitude both unspoken but palpable. As he walked up his front door, he felt a strange mixture of dread and hope. When he entered the house the silence was deafening. It is as if the walls themselves mourned Sarah's absence. Matthew wandered through the rooms, noticing the spaces where are presence once filled the air. Her clothes were gone, her personal items vanished. He reached the living room and saw a picture frame on the wall. It held a photo of two of them on their wedding day, smilling and full of promise.

His future blurred with tears as he took the frame of the wall. The reality of her absence hit him like a tidal wave. Without thinking, he hurled the frame against the wall. The glass shattered, and the sound seemed to echo endlessly in the empty house. Matthew picked up the broken frame, his hands trembling with rage and sorrow. He started hitting it on the floor repeatedly, shards of glass embedding into his skin. Blood began to flow but he didn't care. The physical pain was a distraction from the agony in his heart. He sank to his knees, clutching the remnants of the frame, his sobs wracking his whole body. The memories of Sarah, the life they had planned now seemed like a cruel illusion. In that moment he felt utterly and completely lost .

Eventually, the exhaustion overtook him, and he lay on the floor, staring at the ceiling. The blood from his hand pooled around him, a stark contrast to the sterile emptiness of the room. He closed his eyes, wishing for the oblivion of sleep , hoping that maybe, just maybe, he could wake up from the nightmare and find some semblance of peace. But for now all he could do was lay there, surrounded by the shattered pieces of his past.

Matthew's head throbbed with a relentless pain as he stumbled into the dimly lit pharmacy. The pharmacist glanced at him with a mix of concern and curiosity as he asked for the strongest painkillers they had. The throbbing was a cruel reminder of the night before. After bandaging his hand and pocketing the painkillers, Matthew trudged back to his apartment, a dingy place that reeked of stale beer and cigarette smoke. He had taken to excessive drinking and drugs, hoping to numb the pain of her absence, but nothing seemed to work.

Several days, months and years turned into a blur of empty bottles and darkened rooms the only person who tried to help him was josephine. Josephine was fond of bringing foodstuff as well as other provisions for him but this effort by josephine didn't end matthew's sense of sorrow sadness and despair. However one evening, Matthew found himself in a bar he frequently went to with Sarah before their marriage. He slumped over his drink, his eyes red and vacant. The buzz of the bar faded into a dull hum until a voice broke through his haze."Matthew? Is that you?"He looked up, squinting to see a familiar face. It was Noah, an old friend he and Sarah had met when they first moved to Livingston.John, hey," Matthew mumbled, trying to muster a smile."It's been ages,"

noah said, taking a seat next to him. "How've you been? Still with Sarah?"The question hit Matthew like a punch to the gut. He hesitated, then shook his head. "No, she left me a while ago."noah's eyes widened in surprise. "I had no idea. I saw her a couple of weeks ago, in another city. She had a newborn baby with her."Matthew's heart skipped a beat. "What? Where did you see her?" Noah seemed taken aback by Matthew's intensity but answered, "In a supermarket. I followed her to her place, out of curiosity. I could give you the address."Matthew's mind raced. He pressed noah for details, and noah scribbled the address on a napkin. As he stared at the scrawled writing, a mix of emotions flooded over him - shock, anger, and a sense of betrayal. Matthew briefly appreciated noah and quickly stormed out of the bar to the surprise of noah.

CHAPTER SIX

Matthew's mind was a storm of emotions as he packed a small bag with clothes, money, and the old revolver he had kept hidden in the back of his closet. The news from his old friend Noah had shattered what little peace he had managed to find. Sarah, his wife, had a child. The thought echoed in his head, growing louder and more unbearable with each passing minute."If I can't have Sarah, nobody will," he muttered to himself, his voice shaking with anger and desperation. He didn't care about the consequences. All he knew was that the idea of Sarah moving on and having a child with someone else was too much to bear.He slammed the door of his apartment and hurried down the steps, his mind focused on the address Noah had given him. As he stormed out of the building, he didn't notice Josephine, who was just arriving with a bag of groceries. She watched him rush past, a look of determination and something darker on his face.

Curious and concerned, Josephine decided to follow him. She had seen Matthew spiral downwards over the past months, ever since Sarah had left. Something about the way he was acting now sent a chill down her spine.Matthew's car sped through the city streets, his grip tight on the steering wheel. The address Noah had given him was a few hours away, in a quiet suburban area. He barely noticed the time passing, his thoughts consumed with what he would do when he saw Sarah.Josephine followed at a safe distance, her worry growing with each mile. She had always liked Matthew, despite his recent troubles. Something about his demeanor today made her fear the worst.As Matthew approached the address, he parked a few houses down and waited, his heart pounding. He saw Sarah's house, modest and inviting, with a small garden in the front. He could see shadows moving inside, and he knew she was there.Josephine parked her car around the corner, not wanting Matthew to see her. She watched as he sat in his car for a few minutes before getting out and walking towards Sarah's house. Her stomach knotted with anxiety as she followed him quietly. Matthew's hands trembled as he hoisted himself through the window of Sarah's house, the revolver cold and heavy in his grip. His eyes darted around, taking in the surroundings of the house. In the dim light, he saw Sarah on the couch, cradling a two-month-old baby. Her face paled as she saw him, and her eyes widened in horror at the sight of the gun. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes."Matthew, please," Sarah cried, clutching her baby tighter. "Don't do this."Matthew's heart ached at the sight of her tears, but the pain and rage he had carried for so long seemed to anchor him to his purpose. His voice was thick with emotion. "I warned you, Sarah. I told you what would happen if you left me."Sarah's pleas grew more desperate, her voice breaking. "Please, Matthew, think about the child. Don't do this. Please." "yeah, the child, that is all you have ever wanted, Sarah, you never cared about me, you never Loved me" Matthew replied feeling more bitter. Sarah replied " No Matthew, I cared about you, I loved you, but you pushed me away" breaking down into more tears as she said this. Sarah's husband began to approach the door of the room were matthew and Sarah was, because he has been hearing some noise in the house. "Sarah dear, hope everything is okay, down there". Suddenly, the front door opened, and John stepped in. Matthew's heart stopped. John, his best friend from college, stood there, shock and fear etched across his face."Matthew, put the gun down," John said, stepping protectively towards Sarah and the baby.The sight of John, the man who had been like a brother to him, standing with Sarah was a blow Matthew hadn't anticipated. "Why did you marry John?" he demanded, his voice shaking with a blend of anger and sorrow. "He was my best friend." Sarah's eyes softened. "Matthew, John was there for me when you disappeared. He took care of me when I had no one else. I never stopped loving you, but you weren't the same after our marriage." His hand shook, and tears streamed down his face. He couldn't believe his best friend had married his ex-wife.He lowered the revolver, unable to hold back his sobs. "I can't do it," he whispered. "I can't..."With a final, broken look at Sarah and John, Matthew turned and fled from the house. He stumbled through the street, feeling more lost and empty than ever before.

Meanwhile, Josephine, who had been following Matthew, entered the house just after he left.As she entered, she found Sarah crying in John's arms."Where did Matthew go?" she asked urgently.Sarah, through her tears, pointed towards the back door. "He left... He just ran out."Josephine told John "pls, take care of her" john nodded. Josephine ran out of the house after matthew, her heart pounding. Josephine followed matthew to an old abadoned church at the outskirts of the town, Matthew entered the church and sat down, the revolver by his side.

Josephine sat down beside him. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Matthew spoke, his voice a broken whisper. "Why are you always trying to help me, Josephine?"She looked at him, her heart aching for the broken man beside her. "Because I understand your pain, Matthew." She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I can't have children. When I found out, it felt like my whole world collapsed. I felt... incomplete, like I was less than a woman."Matthew turned to look at her, the anger in his eyes replaced by a flicker of empathy. "I'm sorry, Josephine. I didn't know."She smiled faintly. "We all have our burdens to bear. I saw something in you that reminded me of my own struggles. Your impotency doesn't define you, just like my inability to bear children doesn't define me. We are more than our shortcomings, Matthew."Her words hung in the air, and for the first time in a long while, Matthew felt a sense of peace. They sat in silence, absorbing the comfort of shared pain and understanding.After what felt like an eternity, Josephine stood up and offered her hand to Matthew. "Let's go back to Livingston," she said gently. "There are people who care about you, who want to help you heal."Matthew hesitated but then took her hand, letting her guide him out of the church. Together, they returned to Livingston, not as broken individuals, but as two people beginning to heal.

After a year of being together, josephine decided to get married to matthew in a simple ceremony surrounded by friends. They moved into a cozy house with a garden, where they often spent their evenings together. Both josephine and matthew decided too adopt since the both of them were unable to have children. After months of waiting and paperwork, they welcomed a bright-eyed, five-year-old boy named Daniel into their lives. Daniel brought a new kind of joy to their home, filling it with laughter and love.Years passed, and the little family thrived. Matthew seemed to have found peace and happiness with Josephine and Daniel. However, beneath his cheerful exterior, Matthew carried a heavy burden. He couldn't shake the memories of his first marriage to Sarah, the pain of also losing Sarah to his best friend, john kept lingering in his mind. He tried to forget it but it was so difficult for him. The realization that he couldn't father a child, coupled with the lingering pain of losing Sarah, gnawed at him. He tried to bury his sorrow, immersing himself in his roles as a husband and father, but the emotional wounds festered.One evening, after tucking Daniel into bed and sharing a quiet moment with Josephine, Matthew disappeared into the night. Josephine found his note the next morning, its words a devastating blow. Matthew had taken his own life, unable to live with the pain any longer. He apologized, expressing his love for Josephine and Daniel but admitting he couldn't continue living a lie.

Josephine was heartbroken, struggling to comprehend the depth of Matthew's torment. With a heavy heart, she arranged the funeral, supported by friends and family. Daniel, confused and saddened, clung to Josephine, seeking comfort in her unwavering love.In the years that followed, Josephine dedicated herself to raising Daniel, honoring Matthew's memory by cherishing the life they had built together. In the years that followed, Josephine dedicated herself to raising Daniel,She found solace in her son's laughter and the simple joys of their everyday life. Though Matthew's absence was a constant ache, Josephine resolved to live fully, carrying on with her life.