"If he's pitiful, that's between his parents and the people who hurt him! He could've said no! He could've gone to the police! Why does MY marriage and MY happiness have to be the sacrifice?"
"Or maybe..."
My voice cracked, thick with tears:
"Maybe nothing ever happened to him at all. Maybe you two were just—"
The slap landed before I could finish the sentence.
Sabina stood with her hand still raised, her face twisted with anger:
"Don't you DARE talk about him like that! I already told you, Eustace and I only got married on paper! Why do you insist on assuming the worst about people?"
Our shouting drew neighbors from the floors above and below, crowding the hallway to watch.
Someone called out to Eustace and Sabina:
"Eustace, who is this guy? What's his deal with your wife?"
Eustace stammered, eyes darting:
"He's... he..."
The wounded, suggestive look on his face said everything his mouth didn't.
The neighbors' expressions shifted instantly. Disgust settled over their faces as they turned on me. One of them shoved me hard in the chest:
"They're about to get married and you're still harassing the man's wife? You look decent enough on the outside. Have some shame!"