**Chapter 1: Trapped in Darkness**

Ashley Frangipane woke up to the sound of her own ragged breathing, her heart racing as she lay in the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her eyes felt heavy, her body aching all over. She knew what was coming. Kody Fletcher, her boyfriend of two years, would be waking up soon, and with him, the nightmare would begin again. At 22, Ashley had thought she was in love, that Kody was the one who cared for her. But now, she realized she was just a prisoner, trapped in a toxic relationship that seemed to have no escape. She gingerly swung her legs over the side of the bed, careful not to make a sound. Kody was a light sleeper, and Ashley knew that if she woke him up, she'd be in for a world of trouble. She slowly got out of bed and began to make her way to the bathroom, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Kody's phone or her own. He had taken her phone away from her months ago, saying it was for her own protection, but Ashley knew the truth - he was monitoring her every move, controlling every aspect of her life. As she entered the bathroom, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes widened in horror - her left eye was swollen and bruised, her cheekbone cracked. She had tried to hide it with makeup, but it was no use. Kody would see it, and he'd know she was trying to leave him. Ashley's hands began to shake as she turned on the shower, the water warm and inviting. She stepped under the stream, letting it wash away the tears she'd cried the night before. She knew she had to be careful, that Kody would be watching her every move. He had installed cameras in the apartment, and Ashley was convinced that he had people outside, monitoring her every step. She had tried to leave him before, but it had only made things worse. The beatings had increased, the threats more severe. Ashley was isolated, cut off from her friends and family. Kody had made sure of that. As she showered, Ashley's mind wandered to her job at the local store. She loved working there, loved the sense of purpose it gave her. But Kody had forbidden her from working, said it was beneath her. Ashley had tried to explain to him that it was her passion, that it made her happy, but he just laughed, telling her she was his now, and she belonged to him. The water turned cold, and Ashley stepped out of the shower, her body shivering. She quickly got dressed in the clothes Kody had laid out for her - a tight black skirt and a red blouse. He liked her to dress up, said it made him proud to be seen with her. Ashley knew it was just a way for him to control her, to make her feel like a possession. As she made her way back to the bedroom, she heard Kody stirring. Her heart sank, and she knew that the day had begun. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was to come. Kody would wake up, and he'd demand breakfast, and Ashley would have to make it for him. She'd have to be careful not to make a mistake, not to incur his wrath. Ashley entered the bedroom, her eyes downcast. Kody was sitting up in bed, his eyes narrowed. "Good morning," he growled, his voice low and menacing. Ashley forced a smile, trying to hide the fear that was growing inside her. "Good morning," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Kody's eyes scanned her body, taking in the new outfit. "You look nice," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But you could look nicer. Get me breakfast, and then get ready for the day." Ashley nodded, her heart heavy with foreboding. She knew what the day would bring - more abuse, more control, more fear. But she also knew she had to keep going, had to keep pretending, until she could find a way to escape.