Unspoken but constant, the tension boiled under the surface. Joan decided, but the consequences were more severe than anticipated.
To get away from Mark, she would have to play a part she had never imagined playing, which made her stomach turn in equal parts defiance and fear.
Her determination became stronger each day. She changed her demeanor to please him, offering him small gifts of affection here and there and letting herself retain his attention for a fraction of a second longer than before, being the loving, loyal wife Mark had trained her to be.
The more she complied, the more at ease he seemed, confident that he was betraying her.
The jail surrounding her started deteriorating due to a crack in his armor that she had patiently and carefully worked on.
Mark recommended a peaceful drink on the balcony one evening after supper.
