The Day His Eyes Opened

  "If you choose her today," I swallowed a sob. "I'll die, Atlas," 

  My husband, Atlas Volkan, froze at the door. He unhooked his arm from my sister's and marched forward.

  I forgot how to breathe as he approached me, the scent of his cologne invading my nose like an addiction.

  How do you love someone to the point of loathing yourself?

  "I have always chosen her." His words stabbed me in the chest. Turning the dagger, he continued. "Today is her big day and if you love me, don't ruin it."

  Atlas turned to leave and I blurted. "You are my husband. We are married, Atlas!"

  "Enough, Julia!" Lovie snapped, glaring at me "Your marriage is a sham. Atlas loves me and you know this,"

  "I have a bad feeling, Atlas." I begged, "Let me come. I'm scared Atlas."

  Atlas' gaze rested on me, almost as if he was worried, but the flicker in his eyes vanished as Lovie spoke.

  "Choose, Atlas. Her or me?" She asked. Like that, the fog cleared and he grabbed her wrist, leaving the house.

  The sound of the keys inside the lock rang through the room. They left and locked me inside.

  I walked over to the closest window, watching as they drove out. My husband and my older sister - the perfect affair.

  My heart ached, my body trembled with sobs. This was my life and I hated it.

  I prepared coffee to clear my mind and I barely took a sip when the banging came minutes later. I stumbled, wide-eyed as the door handle shook.

  Someone... someone was trying to break in!

  I bolted in the opposite direction, tripping over my feet as the door fell off its hinges.

  My stomach twisted into knots as we made eye contact. The man in front of me looked taller, stronger, and masked.

  He reached for me but I scrambled to my feet.

  I flailed my hands and kicked my feet, barely able to hear anything over the sound of heavy pants escaping my lips. I froze as something grazed my skin, pain shooting through my torso.

  My hands dug into my jean pockets and I speed dialed Atlas. He was the only contact I had.

  The only one I trusted.

  He didn't pick up.

  I kicked the man between his legs and raced up the stairs. I struggled to breathe as I continued calling Atlas.

  Pick up. Pick up! Pick-

  An inhuman screech escaped my lips as the man grabbed my hair, pulling me. My back collided with the wall and I was face to face with his masked face.

  Before I could process anything, his hands found their way to my neck - squeezing life out of me.

  My eyes threatened to pop from their sockets as a soft whimper escaped my lips. Why was he trying to kill me?

  In my life, I sacrificed everything for everyone. I did everything to be loved - wanted, to be seen.

  But nothing worked and now, I was dying.

  I was about to be killed by a stranger in my home, while my husband of three years was at my fashion show, parading with his lover. I was going to die alone, bleeding and gasping for air.

  Was this the reward for being a good person?

  I spat in the masked man's face and he let out a disgusted grunt. I took the chance to enter my room and lock the door.

  I dialed Atlas, again and again. My knees threatened to buckle as I registered the number of times I had called.