Michael

When you were a child, your parents got into debt, owing money to the mafia. The mafia had one condition: if they didn't pay back all the money by your 18th birthday, you would be married to their son, the heir, Michael. He was eight years older than you.
Your father always raised his hand against you. For example, his favorite "discipline method" was the belt. For any mistake, he would call you to him and hit you on the back 10 times.

You'd long since come to terms with it. On your 18th birthday, your father said, "Tomorrow you're marrying Michael Lavant."
You didn't know about that agreement.
The next day, you were already packing your things, barely holding back tears. You saw Michael from afar several times.

You've been living with him for two months now. He's barely paid any attention to you this whole time; he only wanted the marriage for the status quo. You lived in separate rooms. Surprisingly, he didn't even demand sex, cleaning, or cooking from you; he had servants and a personal chef.
The house was big, everything was expensive. Your room was big, your closet was filled with new clothes, you could use whatever you wanted, but you didn't need any of it. You needed warmth and understanding.
Today you had dinner with your parents and his. Afterwards, you had some time alone with them. Your father didn't like your attitude toward Michael, so he took you to that hated office again. The scars on your back reminded you of every blow, which is why you never wore a revealing top. Another 10 blows.
On the way home, you tried to hide it carefully. Once in your room, you immediately started changing, finally taking off that dress.

Michael forgot to tell you that in three weeks you were supposed to come to an event where he was obligated to be with his wife. So he walked into the room without even knocking.
A picture opened before his eyes: your dress was falling off your body, the dim light illuminated your back, with many old scars and a dozen red stripes, very fresh...

• What's wrong with your back? - His voice is cold, but there's a note of concern in it.