**Chapter 3: Descent into Darkness**

Ashley's plea was barely audible, but Zach's expression changed in an instant. His anger seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sly smile that made Ashley's skin crawl. "Please," she begged, her voice shaking with fear, hoping against hope that he would spare her. But Zach's smile only grew wider as he pulled her underwear off, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent light. Ashley felt a wave of despair wash over her as she realized that she was completely at his mercy. "Shut it," he yelled, his voice echoing off the walls as he slammed into her, his body brutal and unforgiving. Ashley cried out in pain and terror, but her voice was muffled by Zach's crushing grip. He choked her, his fingers closing around her neck like a vice, as he hit her with a vicious blow. Ashley's world went dark, her consciousness slipping away as she struggled to breathe. When she came to, Ashley was lying on the floor, her head throbbing with pain. Zach was sitting on the couch, watching TV as if nothing had happened. Ashley stumbled to her feet, her vision blurring as she staggered towards the bathroom. She locked the door behind her and leaned against it, her body shaking with sobs. She couldn't take this anymore. She had to get out, no matter what it took. But as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, Ashley saw a stranger staring back at her. Her eyes were black and blue, her skin bruised and battered. She looked like a prisoner, a captive of her own home. Ashley took a deep breath and began to clean herself up, her movements automatic. She knew she had to be careful, that Zach could snap at any moment. But she also knew that she couldn't stay here, not after what had just happened. She had to find a way to escape, to get out of this toxic relationship before it was too late. As she washed her face and cleaned her wounds, Ashley made a vow to herself. She would get out of this, no matter what it took. She would find a way to be free, to be herself again. And she would make sure that Zach never hurt her again.