They returned home from their blissful honeymoon, stepping into the threshold of their new life together. The air was filled with excitement and promise as they embarked on the journey of their happy marriage. The harmonious rhythm of their lives unfolded seamlessly – David took charge of the household responsibilities while Tiana worked diligently to bring home the much-needed financial support.
But as the weeks passed, a cloud of discontent began to cast its shadow upon Tiana's usually radiant face. David, attuned to the subtle changes in his wife, couldn't help but notice her returning home each day with a gloominess that tugged at his heart. Concern etched his features as he gently broached the topic, recognizing that something troubled his beloved.
"It's Linda," Tiana confided, her voice laden with frustration. "I feel like she harbors some sort of animosity towards me."
David's brows furrowed as he sought to understand the source of his wife's distress. "Why do you think she feels that way?" he inquired, eager to unravel the mystery.
A heavy sigh escaped Tiana's lips as she recounted her experiences. "She constantly assigns me unnecessary tasks, as if she's punishing me for something. I can't fathom what I might have done to aggravate her."
With genuine concern, David gently reassured her, "Rest assured, my love. Perhaps a sincere conversation can bridge the divide between you. I believe she'll come around if you try talking to her."
"I hope so," Tiana replied wearily, her exhaustion palpable.
Determined to bring solace to his wife's troubled heart, David resolved to take action. Protecting and caring for his cherished treasure was his solemn duty, and witnessing someone bully his wife at work was an intolerable offense. That evening, he embarked on a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, his footsteps guided by an unwavering purpose.
Arriving at Linda's modest abode, David's gentle knock on the door piqued her curiosity. A single woman living alone, she opened the door cautiously, her apprehension mirrored in her eyes. The sight of David standing outside filled her with a mixture of fear and curiosity, as visitors were a rarity in her solitude.
"David! What brings you here at such a late hour?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with trepidation.
"There is an urgent matter I'd like to discuss with you," he replied, his tone revealing the gravity of the situation. Linda sensed the unpleasantness lurking behind his words.
"Urgent? How did you find out where I live?" she inquired, a tinge of unease evident in her voice.
"I happened upon Linda's employee personnel file. I apologize for inconveniencing you at this late hour, but the urgency of the matter cannot be overstated," David explained calmly, his gaze unwavering.
"Very well, please come in. Would you like something to drink?" Linda offered, attempting to mask her anxiety. Deep inside, her heart raced with uncertainty.
"Just an apple, if you have one. Curiously, I find myself craving apples when darkness befalls," David responded, his words carrying an air of enigma. As Linda prepared the apple, his presence in the living room seemed to exude a subtle intimidation, though she feigned indifference.
As she handed him the apple, Linda inquired with a hint of apprehension, "So, what is this urgent matter you wish to discuss?"
David's gaze wandered toward the window, his eyes fixed upon the world outside. "Do you live alone?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"Yes, I haven't found someone yet to share the house with," Linda replied, sensing an undercurrent of significance in his question.
"Hmm, it can be rather perilous for a woman to reside alone in these times. The world is teeming with predators who prey on the vulnerable," David remarked, subtly alluding to the dangers she faced.
"I manage just fine, thank you. It's getting late, though..." Linda attempted to dismiss the conversation, her unease growing.
"Oh, yes, my apologies. You see, Tiana has been feeling down lately, arriving home exhausted every day. I've grown increasingly worried about her," David shared, his voice filled with genuine concern.
"We do have a demanding workload at the office," Linda acknowledged.
"I fear she may fall ill at this rate. As a loving husband, I felt compelled to reach out to her supervisor and ascertain if, by any chance, she's being subjected to excessive and abusive workloads," David confided, his protectiveness for his wife evident in his words.
"Abused! It's endearing that you worry so much about your wife, but her work matters are none of your concern. If she can't handle the workload, she can quit anytime," Linda retorted, her words laced with indifference.
David's voice remained calm yet resolute as he delved into the core of the matter. "I've heard about your reservations regarding the FOT program, your strong disapproval of its establishment. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. The problem arises when one seeks to impose their ideals on others. Some people struggle with rejection, and when they fail to sway others to their side, they resort to delivering their own brand of justice to those who oppose them. It becomes a defense mechanism, protecting their identity and pride. Surely, you wouldn't subject Tiana to such treatment out of anger that she chose to marry me, would you?" His eyes locked onto hers, unwavering.
Infuriated, Linda retorted, "You dare to enter my house and insult me! Leave this instant!"
"In asking this favor, I consider us friends, don't you agree? After all, we've sat here together, sharing a personal story at such a late hour," David appealed, his voice holding a subtle plea. "So, as a friend, I implore you not to paint me as a villain. When I say I would do anything for Tiana, I mean it. No more late nights or excessive workload, no more abuse. Do you understand?"
"Fine," Linda replied meekly, her voice betraying submission.
"Good. I shall hold you to your word and trust that you will make my wife's work environment comfortable and harmonious. I shall take my leave now before Tiana grows worried. Have a pleasant evening, and be sure to lock your door. One wouldn't want uninvited guests entering their home at night."
As David made his way back home, a surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins. A strange thrill enveloped his heart, as if confronting and intimidating others were once commonplace in his life. The reasons eluded him, but he was convinced that, in dealing with bullies, sometimes only a show of strength could yield results. From that day forward, Linda treated Tiana with newfound respect and kindness at work, avoiding any actions that could cause her distress.