On the second day of our marriage, at 7 am, my husband sl3pped me across the face and shouted, “You’re still in bed? get up and make me breakfast! in my house, you don’t make the rules—I do!” I held my cheek, tears filling my eyes as I stared at him. But moments later, a mysterious smile appeared on my face…

to remain separate from business.

In hindsight, I should have paid closer attention to how Daniel spoke about money and control.

There were occasional comments.

Little jokes about wives being obedient.

Remarks about how men should lead their households.

Once, when I mentioned wanting to maintain my career after marriage, he laughed.

“We’ll see about that when you’re officially Mrs. Mercer.”

I assumed he was teasing.

He usually smiled afterward.

And because he was so affectionate in other moments, I overlooked the warning signs.

I didn’t realize how much he