They Echo Me

1. Daniel

I'm going back and adding disclaimers in about the dark/abusive content in my stories.

Married to My Master is suddenly blowing up again on Wattpad, and I've gotten a couple of comments now that are making me think that some people don't realize that I'm not pro-abuse. These books are works of fiction, intended for entertainment purposes only.

My husband and I married young and had a rocky start, but he's amazing. He inspired Aria's father's character. He's got a quiet confidence about him that people really respect. My own father loosely inspired Alessandro's character. Maybe that's why it was so easy for me to write. 🥲

But you don't need to be a douchebag, controlling alpha male to receive respect.

I hope I'm making that clear enough.

If my stories are making you uncomfortable, there is absolutely no need to keep reading them. If you're in a relationship with someone who makes you feel shitty about yourself, who controls you without your consent to a TPE dynamic or without any regard for your well being, drop them and run. 🏃🏾‍♀️

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"...And I think a lot of us were so scared when we learned that AFS was going back to DFS. I've worked here for many years—longer than Daniel has been alive—so I was here when it was DFS the first time. I think you might be able to imagine why I was a bit concerned."

The guests around me laughed, and I chuckled a bit myself.

"But you've done such an amazing job so far. Truly."

The guests all clapped and cheered, and I dipped my head in humble acceptance of their praise. I smiled again, eyeing my wife, Emma, who'd barely touched her food.

"When my daughter decided to also work here, after her husband got sick—she's ok with me saying this, I asked—and she was pregnant with their third child, you really came through. You've proven time and time again that, to you, family truly is everything. I'm so glad Mr. Allen Augustus was able to mentor you. Can we get a round of applause for our former CEO, Allen Augustus?!"

More cheering and clapping. I smiled and clapped as well, but Emma's full plate was starting to seriously distract me.

Lisa, the head of HR who was giving a very touching speech, rambled on, but I tuned her out and leaned forward to whisper in Emma's ear, "Why aren't you eating?"

She eyed me nervously and shrugged, then turned her attention back to Lisa.

"...And his beautiful wife Emma is just the cherry on top. A wonderful, kind, caring human being. A devoted husband. And, to me, a dear friend. Happy birthday to our incredible gem of a boss, Daniel DeSantos!"

I forced a smile and nodded at all the smiling faces around me, mouthing my "thank you's" to Lisa and anyone around who had a clear view of my face.

My 28th birthday banquet was packed. Nearly all of the DFS employees, their partners and spouses, and my family were here, dressed to the nines, paying their respects to me and blowing my head up.

I was aware that there would be a birthday party celebration thrown by some employees, but I never anticipated that it would be so huge.

"I'm so proud of you, son," my mom whispered, reaching across our table to lovingly squeeze my hand. I beamed back at her, squeezing her hand back, feeling deeply touched that she was saying something positive to me for once.

Lately, it seemed all she had to offer was judgment. And more pleas to see a therapist for my "obsessive, controlling, toxic tendencies."

She straight-up told me at my wedding that, if she ever saw even one bruise on Emma, she was going to call the police on me herself.