Claude

Claude Laurent did not marry y/n for love.

He married him because the contract required it—because joining their family empires required a symbol, a union, a signature. And that signature happens to be his.

The problem?

Claude is married.

His first wife, Elara, was the woman he chose. The woman he loves. A woman respected by everyone.

y/n is just... the second one. Required. Practical one. Which the world pretends not to see.

And what Claude left behind.

Laurent's mansion was beautiful on the outside—marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, guards at every door—but to y/n it felt like a prison built with diamonds.

Every time Claude was away—which was often, because he often traveled abroad on business—the cruelty grew louder, sharper, more deliberate.

Every morning, y/n woke up to a new command.

"Clear the hall." "Serve him tea." "Don't sit at the table." "Don't talk unless spoken to."

And every mistake, even the smallest, ends the same way:

A slap when he walks too slow. A nudge when he forgot to bow. Bruises on his arms because the tea wasn't warm enough. Again on his back because he didn't greet them quickly.

"You don't belong here." "You're just a backup." "Claude will never love you."

y/n held everything in silence.

Not because he was weak—but because he knew no one would believe him.

Claude's first wife cried beautifully, spoke sweetly, and looked innocent even when her hands were still red from hitting.

And Claude's mother loved it.

A few weeks later, the front door opened.

Claude stepped in—tall, perfect in his suit, his expression as usual unreadable.

His presence filled the room like thunder.

Elara rushed to him first. "Darling, welcome—"

But Claude passed her.

His eyes were fixed on y/n

He stood by the stairs, hands behind his back, posture stiff, hiding the fresh bruises that appeared under his sleeves.

He frowned. "What happened to your arm?"

Elara quickly forced a smile. "He slipped in the kitchen."

Claude's gaze became sharp—cold, calculating.

"y/n," he said calmly, "show me."

He froze.

Elara's eyes flashed with warning.

"Now."