It took me so much courage to stand up from my seat and introduce myself. They were all seated around me in a circle, silent after they shared their sad stories about addictions, kidnap, and crimes. 

They were all waiting for me to speak. They knew it was about abuse. I've told them that, but they never knew that I was the victim.

"A couple of years ago, I fell in love with a girl I have been dating. For starters, she seemed to be exactly what I was searching for. She understood my financials and how busy I can be. We even discussed how fame could get between us and that she doesn't care what state w are in. She only wanted a stable life. A stable man. And I could afford that for her."

Deep, deep breathe. 

"We started having arguments. Natural fights about natural irritable events that made us both angry. It was okay at first. Loud shouting and screams from her side and quiet self-loathing from mine. Then violence came."

They all widened their eyes at me. Looking at me with so much hate in their judgemental eyes. They don't know the truth. I know it alone. 

"She started abusing me because she knew I wouldn't hit her back. She made it very clear that she can do whatever she wants to me and that I'd be strained by society and respect chains to not even push her away. I constantly find myself unable to move after that or feel ashamed of the bruises she created. I am Carter Louq, and I am physically abused by my wife."

I sat back down, watching their amused grins. I hated that they enjoyed it. 

The first one started chuckling, and they all laughed rather loudly after him. My dignity the only thing they're stepping on as they abruptly leave the room.