Rule number one, don't talk to other males. Rule number two, don't go anywhere on your own. Rule number three, don't ever tell anybody what I've done to you.

Those were the rules that Adeline lived by. Her husband had burned these words into her mind day after retched day. And as his last rule said, she had never told another soul about the abuse. She feared what would happen to her and her daughter if her husband found out she had tried to seek help. 

So she didn't. 

Her head snapped up as the front door slammed open. Her fists clenched and she pulled a pillow from the broken down couch to her chest. As soon as her husband walked in, the smell of liquor and cigarette smoke burned her nose. She nearly gagged, pulling the pillow closer to her face. 

" Get up " the man slurred, stumbling inside loudly. Adeline stood slowly, legs shaking. However, what she didn't expect was for him to walk right back out the door. 

" Drive me to the bar " he ordered. His words were followed by a loud belch. Setting down the pillow, Adeline stepped outside, closing the door behind her carefully. He was already in the passenger seat of their small Kia. 

Dispite her wariness, she wasn't one to deny him. If she did, things would get ugly. Luckily, her daughter was at school. Only five years old, the little girl did not deserve to see her father like this. 

She stepped into the car silently, slamming the door shut. She flinched, but he didn't say anything other than simply groaning, " Hurry up woman! " 

Without another word from her husband, she started the car and pulled out of the driveway.

" God help me " she murmured softly.

Only ten minutes later, they had arrived. While her husband had already left the car, Adeline hesitated. However, his drunken glare through the window had her rushing out of the car so fast that she ran into a woman passing by.

" Oh my! I'm so sorry! " she blurted, staring up at the tall woman with wide eyes. She was beautiful. Her skin was like freshly brewed coffee. A soft brown color that radiated warmth. Her kindness showed in her hazel eyes. 

Adeline blushed as the woman cleared her throat. " Are you okay? " She tilted her head, smiling gently. However, before she could respond, she felt a rough hand grip her arm. 

" What do you think you're doing? " her husband asked fiercly. Adeline looked down. However, she did not have to look into the woman's eyes to sense the change of atmosphere. 

" Do not touch her " the woman snarled. Her husband's grip tightened and Adeline knew she had to speak up.

" Please do not be concerned. He is my husband. " She glanced up and was shocked at the almost feral glint in the woman's eyes. A few seconds later, a relieved smile spread across her face. 

" Thank goodness. Then let me give you some advice. If you really want to make him happy... " she trailed off and leaned forward, lips brushing against Adeline's ear. 

" My name is Antheia. If he ever hurts you again, call this number and we will take care of him for you. " The woman slipped a black card with silver numbers on it into Adeline's pocket. Antheia leaned back again, a cocky grin on her face, as if nothing had happened. 

" He'll love it, trust me. Have a great day now! " the woman yelled, disappearing so fast Adeline feared that she had made up the whole thing. However, the tight grip on her arm quickly sobered her up and she let out burst of air. 

' That was so strange ' she thought, brows creasing in confusion. 

to be continued)