Sugar and Shadows: Beneath the façade

Natalie's POV

I walked out of the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror, my reflection staring back at me. I felt pity for myself as I saw my battered body and hickeys all over my neck down to my arm; results of Sebastian's rough love making.

My parents forced me to marry Sebastian Sean just for wealth . They knew their financial status would change so they didn't even hesitate or decline when his family came, asking for my hand in marriage. They have me out at once.

Sebastian Sean is the complete description of a violent husband, a monster, and a woman beater. Despite Sebastian's cruel treatment, I loved him deeply, holding unto hope he'd change. Three years had passed but my love remained, despite the bruises and shattered dreams.

He wasn't like this during the early months of our marriage but as soon as I lost my first pregnancy, he changed totally.

Flashback, 3 years ago

Sebastian was the sweetest husband ever and after he found out I was pregnant, his love for me increased and he always took good care of me. He was always there for me and treated me like a fragile egg. I never had a reason to be sad.

"Natalie I will never make you cry, you'd be my love forever." These were Sebastian's words when we went on a picnic, we were alone in the camp tent and the atmosphere was freaky tender.

He kissed my forehead and engulfed me in a hug, I was in his arms throughout the night. I rested my head on his chest, enjoying his warmth. He was my safe haven.

Every morning before I woke up, Sebastian would always prepare breakfast. Sebastian hired servants to do the house chores and I never did a single thing at home. He really pampered me a lot.

He gave me everything I needed and showed me affection. I stupidly believed he cared for me until one morning when I woke up and found myself bleeding. I screamed and Sebastian rushed out of the bathroom when he heard my voice.

"Nat, what's wrong? Blood? What happened?" He asked, his voice full of concern. He took me to the hospital where the doctor confirmed what happened to me.

"Mr Sean, your wife had a miscarriage." He announced and since that day, there was a change in Sebastian's attitude. He would always get angry at minor things, he never cared for me like he always did. My lovely husband became a fierce monster I couldn't even get close to.

We now slept in different rooms, he dismissed all the house workers, he never talked to me and he started to answer mysterious calls. We were torn apart.

My concern grew by day and I decided to speak to him, I needed to have him talk with me and stop giving me silent treatments.

I entered his room and immediately he saw me, his facial expression changed, there was a deep frown on his face. Sebastian who was always happy to see me had now been irritated by my presence.

"Natalie! What do you want?" He asked in a husky voice and suddenly I turned dumb, I couldn't speak and began to stutter. I was afraid he would get angry at me.

He rolled his eyes at me in disgust and was about to exit the room, when I hugged him.

He halted in his steps and gazed at me in annoyance.

"Baby, what have I done wrong? I love you Seb but you don't care for me anymore. I miss those happy days. You don't even give me a good morning kiss anymore." I said and before I knew what was going on, Seb pushed me to the floor and blood started to prickle from the corner of my mouth.

"You shameless rat! You expect a good morning kiss when your incompetence is growing every moment. I regret ever marrying you, Natalie. Never in your life should you disturb me with unnecessary things." He scowled and picked up his briefcase, walking out on me.

Flashback over

Ever since then, Sebastian never failed to mistreat me and make my life miserable. He never stopped abusing me everyday. My eyes welled up with tears as I remembered all the sufferings I've gone through.

"This marriage is hell on earth." I sighed, my voice barely audible.

As I dressed up, my thoughts lingered in my circumstances. Wealth and material things aren't enough; I craved love. Sebastian provided everything but affection.

Downstairs, I prepared breakfast, my daily routine before opening my cake shop. I set the table and after I was done I sat down to eat. A few minutes later Sebastian joined me and I managed to give him a cheerful smile.

"Good morning." I greeted, pretending everything was okay.

"Mmm." He nodded and began eating. I was used to him being nonchalant so I just kept my cool. The reigning silence was short-lived as Sebastian spat the cereal.

I looked up, wondering what was wrong.

"Why would you add spoiled milk!" He yelled, anger blazing in his eyes. I couldn't believe my ears, spoilt milk? I didn't use spoiled milk. I knew this was one of his excuses for torturing me.

"No Sebastian, the... milk i..is just fine, this must be a misunderstanding." I tried to defend myself but he gave me a thunderous slap, and I held my red cheeks in tears.

"You just keep disappointing me Natalie, again! You're just useless and you'd never amount to anything!" He stormed out of the house in anger and I continued to cry.

Sebastian always had a reason to get mad at me, I always tried my best to be a good wife but things just get more complicated.

•Cakey Bakey•

As I entered my shop, I received greetings from my employees. I waved at them and managed to give them a smile. I always find solace in the bustling atmosphere and the cheerful faces of everyone. This cake shop is my happiness.

I made my way to the kitchen as the aroma of freshly baked cake hit my nose and the sweet savor of flavors filled everywhere.

I met Rachael who's my best friend and also the head baker. She greeted me with a smile.

"Hey, girl! Big orders today." Rachael said, handing me an apron. As we worked, my mind wandered to the argument between Sebastian and I.

'You're just useless. You'll never amount to anything!' His words rang in my head and cut deep through my heart like sharp daggers.

Involuntarily, the sugar can in my hands fell to the floor, making a loud noise. Rachael turned to look at me. I quickly bent to pick it up and smiled, pretending everything was fine.

I knew Rachael saw past the whole facade. She moved closer to me.

"Nat baby, what's wrong?" She asked and I shook my head, trying to hide the mark on my face but it was too late, Rachael saw it already.

She gasped, widening her eyebrows. "Christ, what's this!"

"Umm... Rachael, can we just continue baking?" I wanted to change the topic but Rachael wasn't willing to drift away.

"Your husband, right? He did this to you." She said and I slowly nodded.

She sighed and took my hands, "Natalie I've told you to leave this marriage. Do you enjoy being tortured everyday? It's absurd to keep enduring when you know he won't change."

I shook my head. No, Sebastian is a good man. I guess he's just going through some things which I don't know about. His mysterious calls have increased lately and I wonder who calls him late at night. Business calls I guess, maybe he's going through some hard times with his business partners.

"There's no such thing, Rach. This turmoil is just for a while, see..." I placed my hands on her shoulders, flashing a hopeful smile.

".. it's just for a while, for every struggling woman, there is a golden crown." I told her. I know Sebastian would change for good. All these sufferings are just temporary.

"And I guess you wouldn't be able to wear that crown, Natalie."

"Why?"

"Sebastian would have chopped off your head by then and that golden crown would be wasted. It will amount to nothing when the woman who worked so hard to get it is nowhere to be found. You can't continue like this, Natalie. Leave him." Rachael advised.

I frowned, what does she mean? I understand Rachael is showing concern as a good friend and I appreciate that but I'm not going to listen to her on leaving my love, Sebastian.

I'm nothing without him.

"Can we leave this topic already? I'm getting bored." I said, turning back to mix the flour.

Rachael's shoulders dropped in disappointment and she continued her work.

"I'm still here. In case you have a change of heart I would help you." She said,

"Thank you, Rach." I nodded but the determination in my heart never quivered a bit, I would face my problems.

In this toxic marriage of mine, I would make things right.