The room went silent, his words hanging in the air like an unwelcome guest. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and anger. I looked around at the other guests, who shifted awkwardly in their seats, their eyes downcast, unsure of how to respond to such blatant disrespect. This was supposed to be a joyous evening, filled with camaraderie and laughter, but it had quickly turned into a scene of humiliation.
My husband had often mocked me behind closed doors, chipping away at my self-esteem with his barbed comments. But never had he done it so openly, in front of friends. This was a new low, even for him. I felt a storm brewing inside me, a mix of shame, hurt, and an emerging determination fueled by the sting of his words.
