“Thank you,” she whispers, her voice a mixture of ecstasy and fear. “I… I think I need to see a doctor.”

Yes, My husband loves me.

Tentatively, Mabel reaches up and touches the now-empty spot where the collar used to be. The skin there is sensitive and tender from the metal's constant weight. She looks at Abhi with a mix of gratitude and wariness. "What does this mean?" she asks softly. "Am I... free to do as I please?"

Abhi smirks slightly. "No, not quite." He pauses, considering his words carefully before continuing. "

Mabel's eyes widen in surprise and relief. She'd half-expected him to take the collar off only to tighten its grip or punish her for getting used to freedom. But Abhi just smiles at her, a genuine smile that reaches his eyes. "Really?" she asks, still not quite sure if she can trust this new situation.

"Yes," he says simply, offering her another small squeeze of reassurance. "You're free to do as you please... except for one thing."