I regret

"Did you even consider the burden she's carrying, handling you all by herself? And you're just allowing her to bear it all? Are you out of your mind? Can't you see her struggling to keep everything from falling apart?"

Mrs. Williamson snaps at her son, her voice laces with frustration, as she talks over the phone upon learning about her son being attacked.

"Mom!" Marquis sighs helplessly.

"You don't even acknowledge her as your wife. Why are you so self-absorbed? Juggling your daughter, dealing with your issues, and managing this exhausting marriage—do you think she's a machine? Stop making her life unbearable with your problems when you can't even appreciate her. She wasn't born to be enslaved by your expectations!"

"I think I admire her, Mom!"

Mrs. Williamson, unable to contain the truth about Oryx's life, paused, trying to process what her son just admitted.

"What did you say?" Mrs. Williamson rises abruptly, demanding clarification.

"I believe I've found that resilient woman I alw