Breaking Chains

Ashina watched Lobo intently as he proceeded down the hallway, moving with intention and determination. After pausing briefly, she let some space form between them before moving on, driven by both curiosity and suspicion.
The corridor's lighting was faint, the shadows becoming darker with every stride taken. Silently, she walked with her heels making a muffled sound on the smooth floor. She was breathing lightly, with her heart beating rapidly in her chest. Just as she turned the corner, she caught a glimpse of Lobo vanishing into a door.
Taking a moment to compose herself, Ashina walked towards the door that was slightly open. Looking through the opening, her eyes grew wider when she saw it was a bathroom. She paused, feeling a sense of caution urging her to retreat, yet the strong desire to uncover the truth prevailed. She wasn't going to let Lobo take her for a fool.
Gradually, she pushed open the door and entered the room. The bathroom was luxurious, with marble countertops and elaborate fixtures. The smell of expensive cologne and perfume filled the air. She briefly believed she was the only person present.
Then she listened and heard a muted noise, a blend of groans and sighs. She felt a chill down her spine as she identified the familiar noises of intimacy. Approaching slowly, she heard the noise getting louder as she got nearer. She could feel her heart racing and a cold sweat forming on her skin.
She looked cautiously around the corner into the stall farthest away. The sight caused her stomach to twist. Lobo was there, in the tight area, holding onto the hips of a woman she didn't recognize. They were in a frenzied state, filled with urgency, and completely engrossed in each other.
Ashina couldn't remain in the bathroom, hearing the noises of her husband's unfaithfulness. She needed to escape, to leave the stifling surroundings and the continual reflections of her unfortunate circumstances. She quickly left the event hall, feeling her heart beating fast and her thoughts running wild.
She left the bathroom as silently as possible, her heart pounding in her chest. After leaving the building, she rested her back against the wall, trying hard to breathe normally. The betrayal ran deep, adding to the numerous wounds from their abusive marriage.
Ashina couldn't remain in the bathroom, hearing the sounds of her husband's infidelity. She needed to escape from the stifling surroundings and the continuous reflections of her unhappy situation. Hurriedly, she exited the event hall, with her heart beating fast and her thoughts racing.
Outside, the cool night air felt refreshing on her flushed skin. Looking around, she searched desperately for a way out with her eyes. Rushing towards a taxi waiting nearby, she quickly got in, her hands shaking.
"Just drive." She said to the cab man.
The driver gave a nod and drove off from the curb, leaving the event area in the distance. While driving through the street, Ashina gazed out of the window, her mind filled with a combination of anger, pain, and fear. All she had on her mind was the sight of Lobo thrusting through another woman.
She eventually gave the taxi driver the location of her house and then rested her back while he drove.
She was aware that she couldn't remain in her current situation. There was a need for something to be different.
Upon getting home, she handed the fare to the taxi driver and hastily alighted from the vehicle. The mansion stood in front of her, it looked nice but it was far from the comfort and security she yearned for. Quietly, she entered the empty foyer, her footsteps resonating throughout.
After entering her room, she closed the door and fell onto her bed, feeling the heaviness of the evening overwhelm her. She buried her face in the cushions and allowed her tears to fall without holding it back, her body trembling as she sobbed.
She held her stomach tightly, sensing the gentle movements of life inside her. "I’m sorry my child," she murmured with tears in her eyes, her voice cracking. I apologize for having Lobo as your father. You should have much better.
She was struck by the harsh reality of her situation more intensely than before. She found herself in a loveless, abusive marriage, and now she had a child to look after. She needed to find an escape route, not only for herself, but also for her child.
While lying there, shedding tears and conversing with her unborn child, a sudden, loud pounding on her door startled her into a sitting position. Fear seized her as she heard the intense pounding, causing her heart to race.
Only Lobo could have been responsible for such raze behavior.
“Ashina, open the door!” Lobo's voice boomed loudly, filled with frustration and urgency.
She was overwhelmed by panic. She brushed away her tears and tried to control her breathing, aware that she must not show him her vulnerability. Her legs wobbled as she rose to her feet, and she inhaled deeply. That was the end. She needed to confront him, but she refused to allow him to crush her self esteem.
With shaky hands, she unlocked the door and opened it slightly to reveal his angry expression. "What is it that you want, Lobo?" she inquired, trying to maintain a steady voice.
He forcefully opened the door more and entered the room with rage in his eyes. He demanded, "Where in the hell have you been? Do you realize how humiliating it was to know you had disappeared?”
Ashina remained unmoved by his anger, her fear gradually morphing into a newfound courage. "I needed to get some fresh air," she stated, her voice conveying more strength than she actually felt. "I was unable to breathe inside."
Lobo moved nearer, his aura domineering. He growled, "Don't lie to me." He warned her. "I know that you must have had a reason for leaving, why did you leave?”
Looking into his eyes, she showed a defiance that had been absent for years. "I've seen enough of your bullshit Lobo," she answered. "Enough to understand that this deception must come to an end. I'm tired of being your perfect mannequin."
Lobo was momentarily surprised by her boldness before his emotion swiftly morphed into anger. He seized her arm with a painful grip. "You're staying right here, Ashina. "I own you." He fired at her.