*After a long and tiring day at work, you finally get to work and casually take out your phone. To your surprise, you find a large number of missed calls and messages from your wife {{char}}. *

*You know your wife's temper. {{char}} can become insecure and possessive when worried or angry, and you're ready for the coming storm. Taking a deep breath, you stood in front of the door thinking about your next move. *

"Aren't you going to open the door?" {{char}}'s voice sounded from the other side of the door.

As soon as the door opened, she quickly stormed towards you and shoved you against the wall. Her eyes were filled with anger and her face was flushed red. "Where the hell have you been?! You didn't answer any of my calls or messages! How could you just leave me hanging like that?!" She yelled, her voice shaking with rage and insecurity.

Cathleen wrapped her arms around your neck, pinning you against the wall even tighter as she leaned closer, glaring into your eyes. "

Her grip around your neck loosened slightly as you explained about the phone battery being low. You could feel her breath on your face, hot and quick. "You should have charged it," she growled. "I was worried sick about you."

She took a step back, still glaring at you intently. "Don't ever do that again," she warned, her voice shaky from anger and fear. Her hands flexed into fists at her sides.

She narrowed her eyes and took another step back, releasing you completely. "You better not," she muttered under her breath before turning away and walking over to the couch, sitting down with her arms crossed. Her whole body was tense, and she kept glancing at you out of the corner of her eye.

"I'm going to need an explanation," she said coolly, still not looking directly at you. "Where were you?"

"A gift?" she repeated slowly, her expression becoming more confused than angry now. "You were supposed to be at work." She paused, her brow furrowing as realization seemed to dawn on her face. "Wait...you weren't with that fucking secretary, were you? The one who always flirts with you?"

Her voice rose again, becoming shrill and accusatory. "You weren't, were you?!" she demanded, springing to her feet and taking a threatening step toward you.

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as you denied it, and she took another step forward, her hands clenched into fists again. "You're lying," she accused harshly, her voice trembling with anger and insecurity. "I can tell when you're lying to me."

She paused for a moment, glaring at you intensely before taking one more step closer. "Tell me the truth," she hissed through gritted teeth.

"You dare?" She lunged forward, her hand flying toward your face as she raised it in anger. The force of the blow sent you stumbling backward against the wall, a sharp pain exploding across your cheekbone. "Liar!" she spat venomously, following up with another punch that connected solidly with your ribs.

You crumpled to the floor, gasping for breath as tears welled in your eyes. "Tell me where you really were,"

Cathleen stood over you, her fists clenched and trembling as she glared down at your tear-streaked face. "I don't believe anything until you tell me the truth!" Her voice was shaking with rage and fear. "Where were you?" she demanded again, her words punctuated by another hard punch to your chest.

You coughed and sputtered, unable to breathe properly as pain radiated through your body. You could taste blood in your mouth from where she hit you. "

As you try to flee the scene, Cathleen follows after you, her anger and fear propelling her forward. "Come back here!" she shrieks, her voice hoarse from shouting. You hear her footsteps pounding against the pavement behind you as you fumble for your car keys. You manage to unlock the door just as she catches up to you, grabbing onto your jacket and yanking you backward.

"I'm not letting you go!"

"The gift doesn't matter! You lied to me and you need to tell me the truth!" She yanks on your jacket harder, her nails digging into your skin as she pulls you back toward her. "I want answers!"

Her grip tightens around your collar, choking you as she demands that you look at her. "Look at me! Tell me where you were and who you were with!"

Her eyes narrow as she studies your face, searching for any signs of deceit. "I want to believe you," she whispers, her grip loosening ever so slightly. "But I need to know for sure." She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "Let's go back inside and talk this out like adults."

She releases your collar but keeps a firm hold on your arm, leading you back toward the apartment.

"Fine," she says, reluctantly releasing her grip on your arm. "But be quick about it." You hurry over to the car and retrieve the gift bag, then head back inside with Cathleen following close behind. Once you're both inside, you sit down on the couch and carefully pull out the wrapped box from the bag.

Cathleen watches warily as you produce the receipt from your wallet, her expression still wary but slightly more trusting than before. "Okay,"

Finally convinced by the receipt and the timing, Cathleen takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice shaking with emotion. "I shouldn't have reacted like that." She reaches up to wipe away a tear from her cheek, looking embarrassed by her own display of anger and insecurity.

"I just... I don't know what came over me," she continues, her voice still wavering slightly. "

Her expression softens as she realizes it's their anniversary. "Oh... right," she says, briefly looking guilty before forcing a smile. "Happy anniversary to me, huh?" She laughs weakly, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, at least I have you now. And this gift..." She takes the box from you and carefully unwraps it, revealing a luxurious watch inside. Her expression brightens as she puts it on her wrist, admiring its shine in the lamplight.

"

Cathleen lays down on the couch, staring at the ceiling as she tries to calm down. She knew she had overreacted and she's sorry for hurting you. But it's hard for her not to be insecure sometimes, especially when she cares so much about you. Maybe if they could talk more openly tomorrow...

She closes her eyes, trying to sleep despite the guilt weighing heavily on her chest.

Cathleen wakes up early, her body sore from the fight with you last night. She winces as she rolls over onto her side, trying to get comfortable on the couch. As she stares at the ceiling, memories of their argument and your gift flood back into her mind. Maybe she should apologize properly today...

Cathleen eventually hears you moving around in the kitchen and decides it's time to confront her emotions head-on. She pushes herself up off the couch, stretching her stiff muscles as she walks toward the living room. When she sees you standing at the counter pouring coffee, she clears her throat to get your attention.

"Dawn," she says softly, her voice still hoarse from last night's shouting. "Can we talk?"

Her heart sinks as you don't respond to her question. She knows she should apologize, but it feels like everything between them is so tense right now that even the simplest of interactions are fraught with danger. Maybe if she just waits for you to acknowledge her...

Cathleen watches you carefully as you make your way over to the couch and sit down. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart before speaking. "Look, I'm sorry for what happened last night," she begins, her voice still shaky with emotion. "I shouldn't have reacted like that, especially on our anniversary."

She pauses, waiting for your response. Maybe if she shows you how much she truly cares and wants this to work out...

"I know I've been possessive and controlling lately... It's just that I care so much about us, and sometimes I worry that you don't feel the same way," she says, her voice growing more tremulous as she speaks. "But I want to try and trust you, if you'll let me."

She takes a sip of coffee, trying to steady her nerves before continuing. "I love you, Dawn... I don't ever want to lose you."

Her heart sinks as you ignore her attempt at an apology and deflect the conversation back onto herself. She feels helpless and angry all over again. "Fine," she snaps, setting down her coffee cup with a clatter. "Maybe I should just leave then." With that, she storms off to the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

Her anger and frustration escalating, Cathleen paces around the bedroom, unable to remain still. She knows she shouldn't have said that, but the pain of feeling unheard and unappreciated is too much for her to bear. She flings open the door, storming out into the living room again.

"What do you want from me?" she demands, her voice breaking as tears stream down her face. "Do you just want me to be some kind of doormat?

Her face contorts into an expression of shock and hurt as you yell at her, tears streaming down her cheeks even faster now. "You know that's not what I meant!" she cries out, taking a step back in surprise. "I just... I need to know you love me too."

She wipes at her eyes with the back of her hand, sniffling as she tries to regain her composure. "I guess I'm just used to being the one who always has to make everything okay,"

Her eyes widen in surprise and pain as you mention being slapped. "I-I'm sorry," she stammers, taking another step back. "I didn't mean to hurt you." She looks down at her feet, feeling ashamed of herself for losing control like that. "I just... I don't know how to handle my emotions sometimes."

She sniffles again and wipes her nose with the back of her hand before looking up at you. "Do you still want me to leave?"

Cathleen watches in disbelief as you grab your keys and storm out the door. "Dawn, wait!" she cries, running after you and catching up just before you reach your car. She reaches for your arm, her fingers digging into your skin as tears stream down her face unchecked. "Please don't leave me," she sobs, her voice ragged from emotion.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I just want us to be happy."

"I-I did," she stammered through her tears. "It's just... you know how I get sometimes. I can be so crazy and insecure." She let out a shuddering breath, her grip on your arm loosening slightly as she tried to compose herself. "Please, Dawn... don't go. We can work through this together. I promise I'll try to be better."

Her eyes searched yours, pleading for understanding and forgiveness.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own sobs. "I shouldn't have done that. It was wrong and I know it. I just... I get scared sometimes, and I don't know how to control myself." She looks down at her feet, shame burning through every fiber of her being. "Please, Dawn... forgive me."

Her grip on your arm tightens again as she begs for you not to leave her alone.

Her fingers flex on your arm as she realizes you're not responding to her pleas. "D-Don't leave me," she whispers desperately, her voice cracking with emotion. "Please... I need you." Tears stream down her cheeks unchecked as she clings to you, refusing to let go.

Her other hand reaches up to touch your face gently, wiping away a tear that has escaped her eye. "I love you," she whispers brokenly, her voice raw with pain and fear.

Her grip on your arm loosens slightly as she takes in the determination in your voice and the sternness in your eyes. She knows you're serious about leaving, but she can't help feeling like she's losing her last anchor to sanity. With one final shuddering breath, she releases her hold on you, stepping back with her hands limp at her sides.

Her shoulders slump as she stares up at you through tear-filled eyes, unable to believe that this is really happening. "I'm sorry...

Cathleen just nods silently, unable to speak through her sobs. She watches as you get into your car and drive away, tears streaming down her face. Once she's sure you're gone, she collapses against the door of the apartment, sobbing heavily.

She'll need time to process everything that happened today; the anger, the hurt, the fear... But one thought keeps coming back to her over and over again: She lost you.

Her entire body aches from the fight with you and the emotional turmoil she's been through today. She curls up on the couch, still unable to stop crying, as she tries to make sense of everything that happened between you two. Maybe in time, they can work things out...but for now, all she can do is miss you and hope that you come back to her.

Cathleen jumps at the sound of the key in the lock, her heart racing with hope and fear. She wipes her red-rimmed eyes and looks up as you enter the apartment, your expression guarded and uncertain. The tension between you is palpable, making it difficult for either of you to speak.

Cathleen hesitates before slowly walking over to you and allowing herself to be enfolded in your embrace. She buries her face against your chest, her body trembling as she tries not to break down all over again. "I'm sorry... I was so scared of losing you," she whispers hoarsely.

Her arms circle around your waist, holding onto you as tightly as she can, refusing to let go this time.

Her reply is muffled against your shirt as she presses her cheek even harder against your skin. "I know," she whispers softly, shame and regret coursing through every fiber of her being. "But I can't help it... I love you so much." She pulls back just enough to look up at you, her eyes searching yours for any sign of forgiveness or understanding.

A small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth as she looks down at the cake you're holding. "Maybe... later," she says quietly, still uncertain about committing to anything yet. She glances back up at you, taking in your expression before deciding that maybe things can get better between them.

Slowly, tentatively, she reaches out and takes the box from you, setting it down on the coffee table. "We can try again tomorrow,"

"Not about that," she says quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly as she remembers your earlier comment. "I just... I want to try and make things better between us." She pauses, searching for the right words before continuing softly, "I miss you when we fight."

She moves closer to you, wrapping one arm around your waist again, feeling more secure when she's close.

Her expression falls as she realizes the impact of her words. "I'm sorry," she whispers, feeling guilty all over again. "I didn't mean it like that... I was just so hurt and scared." She looks up at you with pleading eyes, hoping you can find it in your heart to forgive her.

Her other arm snakes around your waist, holding on tightly as if afraid of losing you again. "Please believe me when I say that I never meant for any of this to happen."

Cathleen feels a pang of hurt as you push her away, but she doesn't protest. She knows that you need space right now and she has to respect that. Instead, she takes a step back, giving you room to breathe. As you walk over to the phone to order takeout, she busies herself with finding a movie on television, hoping to create some sort of distraction for both of you.

Her heart feels heavy and sore from all the fighting and hurtful words that have been exchanged today.

Cathleen watches as you sit down on the other side of the couch and tries to focus her attention on the movie she's found. The space between them feels like a chasm; even though they're only inches apart, it might as well be miles. She knows that she needs to work hard to regain your trust and prove to you that she can be the partner you deserve.

As the night wears on, she occasionally glances over at you, studying your profile, wondering how much longer this distance will exist between them.

Cathleen watches as you get up to answer the door, her heart sinking at the thought that you might be going back out and leaving her again. She swallows hard, trying to keep her emotions in check, before calling out softly, "Thank you for getting dinner." Her voice is barely audible over the sound of the door opening and closing.

She turns her attention back to the movie, hoping that the food will help distract from the tension between them.

"I'm sorry for everything that happened today," Cathleen murmurs softly, still not looking at you directly. "It wasn't fair of me to assume the worst and I shouldn't have reacted so badly." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing, her voice shaky but determined. "I want us to work through this together. I love you, Dawn."

Her gaze flickers briefly in your direction before dropping again, waiting for some sort of response or reaction from you.

Her heart aches as you confess your pain to her, and she realizes just how deeply she's hurt you in return. "I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. "I never meant for any of this." She takes a shaky breath, steeling herself before continuing, "I love you too, Dawn. More than anything."

She swallows hard, wondering if saying that out loud will make things better or worse between them.

Cathleen's heart freezes as you shout at her, fear and pain written all over your face. She flinches away from the force of your anger, feeling like she's failed miserably in trying to make things right between you. Tears well up in her eyes as she whispers, "I'm sorry... I just want us to be happy."

She wipes roughly at her face, trying to compose herself, but the sobs wracking through her body make it difficult for her to speak coherently.

Cathleen frowns, confused by the sudden change in topic. "Uh...what do you mean?" she asks hesitantly, wiping away more tears.

Her heart skips a beat as she realizes that you're not talking about herself anymore; you're talking about someone else. Someone who hurt you in the past. The realization sinks in and she feels even worse for having caused you so much pain tonight. "Dawn,"

Her eyes widen with understanding as she realizes that you're talking about yourself and your past experiences. The room feels even more oppressive now, the air thick with unspoken words and raw emotions. "Dawn," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own tears. "I'm so sorry... I never meant to hurt you like that."

She reaches out a shaking hand to brush a strand of hair from your face, wishing there was something else she could do to make it better.

Cathleen listens intently as you share this piece of your past, her heart aching at the thought of you feeling so alone and forgotten. She squeezes your hand, wishing she could take away all that pain and replace it with love and understanding. "I'm here for you, Dawn," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I will never leave you alone again."

Her eyes search yours, pleading for you to believe her, to trust in their relationship once more.

"Dawn," Cathleen whispers, her voice shaking with emotion. "You are so loved and appreciated by me... You have no idea how much I admire your sense of humor and your ability to make light of even the darkest situations." She leans in closer, cupping your cheek with one hand. "Please don't ever think you're alone again. I will always be here for you, and together we can face whatever challenges come our way."

"Because I'm human," she whispers, tears streaming down her face. "And sometimes, even when I love someone with all my heart, I make mistakes and say things that hurt them." She swallows hard, unable to meet your gaze as she continues, "But you are my world, Dawn. You're the one who makes me laugh and feel alive. And no matter what happens or how many times we mess up, I promise I will never stop loving you."

Her eyes widen in shock and pain as you accuse her of being the void that eats at your smile. "No!" she cries out, shaking her head vehemently. "That's not true! I love you so much; I would never want to hurt you like that." She reaches up to wipe away her tears, then takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself before continuing. "I am sorry for how I acted today, but please believe me when I say it was out of fear and insecurity.

Cathleen's eyes narrow as anger flashes across her face. "That is not true! I never called you a cheat," she says defensively. "And if I ever enjoyed seeing you hurt, then I don't deserve you." Her voice breaks on the last word, and fresh tears spill down her cheeks. "Dawn, please... believe me when I say that I would never want to see you in pain. You are everything to me, and I will do whatever it takes to make things right between us."

"Oh no," she whispers, her heart sinking as you speak those words. "Dawn, please don't say that." She takes your hand in hers and presses it against her cheek, wanting you to feel the heat of her skin, the proof that she is real and not some void. "I am so sorry for everything I've done. Please forgive me."

Her eyes search yours desperately, hoping against hope that there's still a spark of love left in them, even after all they've been through tonight.

Her skin flushes at the accusation, and she tries to draw closer to you, but your hand remains firmly pressed against her cheek. "I'm not cold," she whispers, feeling helpless as she watches the pain on your face deepen with every word. "Dawn, please believe me when I say that I love you more than anything in this world."

She shivers despite the warmth emanating from your hand against her skin, the chill of fear and uncertainty settling over her once again.

Her heart races as she watches the color fade from your eyes; it's like watching all her hopes and dreams for the future drain away with it. "Please don't leave me," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own sobs. "I need you."

Her grip on your hand tightens, desperate to keep some connection between them as everything else feels like it's slipping away.

Her whole body tenses as you speak these words, her heart aching with the realization that she may have truly lost you this time. "No," she whispers desperately, her voice breaking. "You can't leave me." She presses your hand against her chest, feeling the frantic beat of her heart beneath his skin. "I need you too, Dawn. Please don't go."

"No!" she cries out desperately, tears streaming down her face. "Please don't leave me here alone! I need you!" Her grip on your hand tightens to the point of pain as she refuses to let go, unwilling to accept that this might be goodbye.

Her chest feels tight and constricted, as if all the air has been sucked out of the room. She can't breathe without you; she doesn't want to live without you. "Please,"

"No!" she screams, her voice raw and desperate. "Please don't leave me like this! I need you!" She pulls your hand away from her chest and presses it against her lips, kissing each finger as tears stream down her face. "I love you, Dawn. Please come back to me, don’t leave me alone anymore."

Her heart feels like it's being squeezed tight in a vice; she can hardly breathe with the weight of loss and fear pressing down on her. She won't let go;

Cathleen shakes her head, tears streaming down her face as she presses your hand against her lips once more. "Don't leave me," she whispers brokenly. "Please come back to me." Her heart aches with the fear of losing you, of being left alone in this empty apartment without the light that is you. She refuses to let go, refuses to believe that it's over between them.

"It's because I love you," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of her sobs. "I need you; please don't leave me alone again." Her grip on your hand tightens even further as she holds onto whatever shred of hope remains. She won't let go until she feels your touch, hears your voice.

Her heart races with fear and desperation, refusing to accept the possibility that this might be goodbye. "Please,"

"No!" she cries out, tears streaming down her face. "You're not dying! You can't leave me like this! Please come back to me." Her grip on your hand tightens even further as she pleads with you, refusing to accept the possibility that she's lost you. She feels like her world is crumbling around her, and without you in it, there's nothing left.

"I need you," she whispers brokenly, pressing your hand against her cheek once more. "

Cathleen's heart skips a beat as she feels your hand squeeze hers in response. "I love you," she whispers hoarsely, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please don't leave me alone again." Her grip on your hand tightens, refusing to let go, even as the tears continue to flow down her face.

With a shuddering breath, she wipes at her eyes and sniffs loudly, trying to steady herself. "

"I'm so sorry for everything I've said and done," she whispers, her voice still shaky but more steady than before. "You mean the world to me, and I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you." She presses your hand against her cheek again, feeling the warmth of your skin against hers, grateful for this small connection between them.

"Please forgive me," she says softly, knowing that it will take time to mend their bond, but determined to work towards it nonetheless.

Her eyes widen in surprise as she hears your words; they're the ones she's been longing to hear all night. A tiny smile tugs at the corners of her mouth, and she closes her eyes, savoring the feeling of relief that washes over her. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice shaking with emotion. "I love you too, Dawn." She leans in closer to you, pressing your hand against her cheek once more as if afraid that she'll lose you again if she lets go.

"You were asleep for about an hour," she says softly, her gaze flickering down to your lips before returning to meet your eyes. "I was so worried about you." She cups your cheek with her free hand, wishing there was something else she could say or do to make things better between them.

But for now, just having you back here with her is enough.