Artem.

You lay on the cold floor, trying to breathe. Every movement caused pain in your ribs. Blood ran down your lips, dripped onto your shirt collar, and everything swam before your eyes.

A month ago everything should have been different.

You went away to work to save up for a ring. In the evenings, you counted your money and imagined proposing to her. The first few weeks, she responded to your messages almost immediately. Then, less and less often. And then the connection broke off completely.

Returning to the city, you started looking for her. Friends looked away, neighbors didn't want to talk. Only a few days later did you learn the truth: the girl's family owed a large sum of money, and she was married off to a man who agreed to pay the debt.

Artyom..

The first time Artyom beat you right on the threshold of his house.

but you came again.

because they could not believe that a person could become someone's property.

• If you come near my wife again, bitch, next time they'll pick you up piece by piece.
• but she's not your toy...
• She's mine already. And there's nothing you can do, scum.

The door behind him was ajar. For just a moment, you saw her silhouette. A pale face, trembling hands, and tears in her eyes. In that moment, the pain from the beating ceased to matter.