Mathilda’s POV

I gathered every bit of courage I had left to speak honestly to Fredric.

I don’t even know why anymore—maybe I’m just tired.

Tired of constantly being cornered, blamed, humiliated.

I just want it to end, one way or another.

Whether they punish me or destroy my name in front of Mrs. Rosa, I no longer care.

All night, I’d been thinking about running away from them—escaping this prison disguised as a marriage.

I’ve been living under constant fear, haunted by every scream, every slap, every word meant to break me.

I can’t keep torturing myself like this. I need to get away.

With the money I’ve managed to save over the last month, I can survive. I can find work—anywhere.

Even if it means leaving Mrs. Rosa’s home and the safety that came with it.

“What the hell are you saying, Mathilda?! Stop stirring up trouble!” Fredric snapped, stepping toward me, his voice thunderous and sharp.

Tears stung my eyes as I struggled to breathe, but I refused to look away this time.

I forced t