The gilded cage of the Lincoln Residence felt more like a tomb to Avery Knight. Two years of marriage to Liam, two years of Wendy Lincoln's cutting remarks, two years of trying to be the perfect daughter-in-law. Tonight, a fragile hope flickered—Liam was back from his business trip. Avery, clutching her shopping bags, glanced at the grand wall clock, a nervous smile playing on her lips.

“Liam must be back,” she mumbled, the words a silent prayer. “I’ll give him a surprise.” Her heart fluttered with a naive excitement, a desperate longing to reconnect with the husband she loved, despite the ever-present chill in their opulent home.

But as always, the shadow of her mother-in-law, Wendy, loomed. “You are the Lincoln family’s daughter-in-law. Look how you are walking.” The harsh voice grated, familiar and unwelcome. Avery bowed her head, murmuring an apology she’d uttered countless times. Wendy's eyes, sharp and judgmental, raked over her, finding fault in every detail.

Avery’s gaze drifted upstairs, towards Liam’s room, a beacon of hope she clung to. “Mom, I’ll be back soon.” But Wendy’s grip, surprisingly strong, clamped onto her arm, pulling her back to the suffocating reality of her life.