TW: This chapter contains themes of domestic violence/abuse and rape

Leaving the safety of the pub and Eddie's company hadn't been easy for Rachel. If she could, she would have stayed there all night, or she would have asked Eddie to drop her back at school so she could finish her paperwork. Anything to keep out of Adam's way. But she couldn't do that. If she had, Eddie would have been asking questions as to why she didn't want to go home, and she couldn't have that. She had to pretend everything was fine. He didn't need to be dragged into the mess that was her life.

She sighed as she closed the front door, watching the headlights of Eddie's car fade away through the glass. There was once a time where Eddie would be stepping into her home with her, arms snaked around her waist and peppering her cheek and neck with kisses. Even though the house was a different one to the one she'd lived in when he was in her life, she could still hear their giggles and her squeals echoing through the hallway whenever he'd caught her off guard. It was hard to think of a time when such happiness existed in her world. The only happiness she had now was her little girl, but there was no safety or security for either of them for them to be truly happy.

"So, you're back"

Whilst her blood ran cold at the sound of his voice, she stood up straight. She knew he would be home, his shift at the restaurant had been a short one. Even if it hadn't been, he would have made sure he was home in time to interrogate her, especially knowing that she was working with Eddie again.

"Yes, I am" she replied quietly, hanging her bag and coat up and slipping her shoes off

"You're late" he grumbled

"I didn't realise I was on a schedule" she shot back

"You were with him, weren't you?" he growled

She sighed, turning to face him.

"Yes, I was. And before you panic, we were just talking about work" she answered

Adam scoffed.

"You really think I believe that? I wondered how long it would take for you to jump into bed with him!"

"What? Like you did with that woman I found you in bed with a few months ago? I don't have such low standards!" she snapped

His hand flew across her face, smacking her hard. Her cheek stung with the contact. She stumbled backwards, only just managing to catch herself and stay on her feet.

"Don't you dare speak to me like that! You're mine, I think you need to be reminded of that" he hissed

Before she could even react, he grabbed her, pulling her up by her hair and slamming her against the wall. She winced as pain shot up and down her back. His eyes were flickering with rage and she knew she was about to undergo another beating.

"LET ME GO!!" she cried

She was almost wrestling him in an attempt to escape his clutches. Of course he was stronger than her, he always had been. He'd pinned her to the wall with his body. Even with her baby bump in the way, he was still able to completely paralyse her.

She heard him unbuckle his trousers and felt him pushing her dress up over her hips. She whimpered, attempting to fight him off again. He grabbed her arms, which were flailing around in an attempt to defend herself, gripping them tightly as he pinned them to her sides.

"GET OFF ME!!!" she screamed

He placed a hand firmly over her mouth, silencing her completely.

"Shut up and get on with your wifely duties" he snarled

Another scream escaped her lips as he entered her, thrusting into her roughly. His grip on her wrists grew tighter and tighter. She tried to fight him off, she really did, but he was stronger than her. Every attempt she made to defend herself was met with a harsh punch to her body. Pain shot through her from all angles as she reluctantly gave up the fight, powerless to stop the monster that was her husband.

After a few minutes, it was over. Adam had stormed out, slamming the front door behind him, but not without punching her for a final time and leaving a deep cut on her cheek. She could take that if it meant he was gone for the night.

She slid down the wall, her body trembling. Her hand moved over the curvature of her stomach, feeling the little girl kick in response to her touch. All of her concerns came flooding back to her. How could she bring a child into the world with Adam still in the picture? It wouldn't be long before she was here and she wouldn't be able to protect her as much as she could when she was growing inside her. This wasn't the life she wanted for her and her daughter. It wasn't fair, it wasn't right.

"I'm sorry, darling. I'm so sorry. I'm going to fix this, I promise" she whispered