Amelia woke up at 5:30 to get ready for the business shopping trip. She got out of bed gently, as to not wake Arthur, and walked over to the drawers. She snatched all of her necessary items and quietly began tiptoeing her way to the bathroom. She left anything she couldn't carry on that trip in her room. The main thing she left was her phone, as she didn't want to risk dropping it. Upon entering the bathroom, she stripped herself of the crappy pajamas and took a long look at herself. She sighed as she saw the blisters rattling her nude body, but paid them no mind as she got into the shower. She set the water on cool to help clean her wounds, but they still ached greatly.

Her morning routine went on like normal: her showering away the pain and shame, patching her pained wounds as quietly as she could, dressing to cover her battered body, doing her makeup to cover any visible signs of unhappiness, and cooked breakfast for both her and Arthur. Arthur came downstairs with a hangover and apologized. The thing about this morning, however, was Arthur's attitude. He seemed a bit more bitter in his apologies before he left for work. 

Every day, this cycle cursed Amelia. As she washed the few dishes that were in the sink, she began to think.

Is this true happiness? Am I happy here?

As she looked out the window, she saw that the sky looked cloudy. She figured it was courtesy of the stormy night that had just passed through. That's when she noticed how early it was. Arthur didn't have work for another 90 minutes and the commute there was only twenty minutes with no traffic. She remembered that during the apologetic rant he just gave, he said he had some plans with his boss. But, what plans would require him to be over an hour early? Arthur did maintenance work, so did the storm do something and his boss need him to fix it?

She took a deep breath when she thought of Arthur's boss. She knew Hyung-Soo from high school. His father used to be the owner of the brewery and was a stern man. When he died, he gave the brewery to Hyung-Soo as an inheritance. She secretly hoped that Arthur would quit his job and just find something better. But she knew that was impossible, as Arthur seemed to really like his job despite it being so stressful. It often left her to wonder why he loved it when all it did was cause them problems. Hyung-Soo was always so uptight, just like his father. Even in their school days he was just so tightly wound up.

Guess some people never change.

Her thoughts came to an abrupt stop when a knock came from the front door. Amelia was quick to fix her outfit as she grabbed her shoes. She hopped to the door, trying her best to get the flats on. But, she slipped, causing the table she was using as support to loudly thud to the ground. She groaned annoyingly and sat up, rubbing her butt as she fixed the table. The blisters ached more as she tried to stand straight, making her wince in pain. After taking a quick second to get her bearings, she brushed off her outfit and successfully put on her shoes. 

She was wearing a white, sleeveless turtleneck with a black pencil skirt and a red trench coat. She put her small, black clutch in her jacket pocket as she gazed at her final look. She walked to the door as the knocks got harder. If Amelia knew better, they would have sounded almost panic-like. When she finally opened the door, she saw Francis just staring at her worriedly.

"Sorry, my shoes weren't cooperating with me," Amelia smiled to him, trying her best to hide the pain rippling around her abdomen. The waves of numbing burns kept washing over her, but she grinned through it. She prayed to all the different deities that none of the blisters would burst and bleed through her bandages. She didn't want anybody else to know how her life truly was. How, despite her most outward appearance, she was in constant pain. 

"Amelia, I was beginning to worry. I texted you zis morning, did you not receive it? Ze message says 'read'" Amelia patted her pockets before realizing her phone was still upstairs. Her eyes widened at the realization she didn't have her phone the entire morning.

"I don't have my phone, hold on a minute," she dashed upstairs and snatched her phone from the bedside table. Seeing that there was no message from Francis, she walked back downstairs and showed him her phone, "nope, nothing," Francis looked at the phone carefully before shaking his head softly. He knew exactly what had happened, but didn't voice it.

"Well, no matter. Now, we shop!" Francis guided her into the car, where she saw Katyusha and another girl. She was very pretty, with long platinum hair tied back with a purple bow. Her outfit consisted of a purple dress shirt and black trousers, with a few holsters with a variety of equipment. From what Amelia could see, there was a taser, pepper spray, a baton, and a gun. 

"You are Amelia?" she asked. Amelia nodded and sat next to her, smiling softly. The other woman gave her a thin smile and nodded, "I am Natalia, I will be serving as you and your party's bodyguard for today,"

"I'm glad you could be here, Natalia," Amelia shook her hand as Francis got situated.

"We're ready now, Gil. To ze outlet mall!" Francis cheered.

"To the outlet mall!" the rest of the group repeated. Gilbert smiled and drove off, giving Francis a slight nod in the rearview mirror. The duo planned on making this trip the best one they could for Amelia.

It was about that time that Ivan parked his SUV in front of a large building. He looked up at the vintage sign that was fastened to the building. His blood boiled at the name and he clenched his steering wheel.

Hithow's Brewery 

The place where Amelia's abusive husband worked long days, only to arrive home and harm the woman he married. He noticed a nicer car and a rather beaten car were parked in the employee lot, which made his brow quirk. Nobody was supposed to be there for another hour, not even the employees. Ivan fixed his expensive suit and walked into the brewery, intent on finding the office. 

That's when he ran into a bulky man, who held out his arm. His blonde hair was slicked back and his uniform was neatly pressed. His cold, icy blue eyes and stern face held very little emotion as his bulky muscles flexed slightly. His chest badge read 'Security' and his belt was littered with different weapons. He also had a radio on his belt with a piece connected to his collar by a long, twirly wire.

"Excuse me, but jou can't enter yet. Hyung-Soo is not seeing anyvon until noon," the man's German accent made him think of Gilbert. Ivan looked the tall blonde up and down.

"Are you related to Gilbert, by any chance?" he asked in a stern tone. The man seemed to falter at the name.

"Ja, he's mein Bruder. Vhy? Vho are jou?"

"I am his boss, Ivan Braginsky. You know, of Braginsky Infinity?" Ivan quirked a brow as the man seemed to lose his bearings a bit.

"Es tut mir leid, Mr. Braginsky! I vas not avare jou vould be coming!"

"No worries, I do not come here with ill intent. I came to inquire about an employee he has, a man named Arthur Kirkland,"

"Zat vaste? Hyung-Soo us very easy on him und gives him special bonuses. Many employees find ut strange, especially since he us just un maintenance vorker," Ludwig huffed, "I'm lucky to have mein soulmate! He owns un very nice bistro by the sea. If it veren't for him, ve'd be on the streets," Ivan's eyes widened in surprise and he smiled.

"Feliciano is your soulmate?" Ivan asked as he tilted his head. Ludwig looked surprised and was about to ask how he knew, but Ivan interrupted, "I go to his restaurant almost every day! It's my favorite eatery," Ludwig smiled softly and crossed his arms.

"Vell, I'm glad jou like it so much! Jour probably the reason ve are not homeless!" Ludwig patted Ivan's back and moved to the side, "Hyung-Soo's office us right around the corner," he pointed down the corridor. Ivan nodded and waved to Ludwig, beginning to walk down the hall towards Hyung-Soo's office. When he got to the door, he held the knob. He was about to open it but stopped when he heard two voices.

"I still don't get why you don't get a divorce already,"

"Hyung-Soo, I can't divorce her suddenly. She'd be suspicious on why I suddenly want to leave her. Amelia is a good girl and we've been lovers for a long time," a British accent rung out. Ivan's brow twitched as he kept silent as he eavesdropped on the conversation.

"When do you plan on telling her the truth?"

"What do you mean?"

"Arthur, you and I both know what I mean!" Hyung-Soo shouted.

"I really don't! Explain!" Arthur yelled back.

"That the bitch isn't even your true soulmate and I am!"

Ivan's eyes widened further as the statement hit his ears. They were bigger than saucers and the argument went silent. Then, a voice.

"I know, but I like Amelia. Her body is always so warm and the sex is still nice. She's too scared to leave me and I like having that power. You and I both know that we adore having control. Well, I get that with Amelia,"

Ivan's hands twitched on the knob as anger began to flow through his veins. He couldn't confront Arthur now, not after hearing that. He knew if he did, he would beat the man senseless along with his boss. He couldn't spoil his image by having an assault charge on him. So, he stormed off with a mighty force. His stride made the hallway echo with intimidation as he passed Ludwig again. Taking a deep breath, he stopped and turned to the blonde.

"Mr. Braginsky, are jou alright?" Ludwig asked, concerned.

"Da, I am fine. You and Feliciano are invited to my client ball. I want him and Lovino to supply my ball with alcohol and it would be rude not to invite their soulmates. I'm sorry but I must go now," Ivan stormed off and quickly got into his car, driving off at a rapid speed.

The group had finally arrived at the outlet mall after the rather long drive. Though, if you asked them, it wasn't that long. They passed the time in the car by singing songs, playing never have I ever, and 20 questions. The troop of employees seemed to be a tight knitted family, Natalia especially taking a liking to Amelia.

"Vhat store are ve going to first?" Gilbert asked as he locked up the luxury limousine and put the key in his suit pocket. Amelia looked around and saw a flooring store right across the street.

"Why not start there?" she asked, pointed to the store, "we should get my office settled before we do my wardrobe. Flooring seems like the best place to start, don't you think?" Amelia asked. The group nodded to her and began to walk over to the store. While Katyusha and Amelia were in front, Natalia was walking with Francis and Gilbert.

"You two know something and I want in," she stated so only they would hear. The men nearly froze at her icy glare, "well, out with it," the two looked at each other and nodded.

"We will tell you later, for now, we must focus on Amelia," Francis whispered as they arrived at the storefront. Francis smiled and opened the door for the group, the sudden rush of AC hitting them in the face. A young woman walked up to them, her short blonde hair held in place with a cute ribbon.

"Velcome to our store, may I help you?" her voice was so soft, it was like she was still a child. Katyusha waved happily at her, and the girl's eyes brightened, "Oh! Katyusha! How vonderful to see you!"

"It's nice to see you too, Lilli. I didn't know you worked here now," the girl, now known as Lilli, nodded.

"Big Bruder bought another store in the outlet mall. Before ve know it, he vill have bought a majority of the flooring stores vithin a hundred-mile radius. You and I both know how frugal he is, but he invests very visely and comes out richer every day," Lilli smiled at the group and got more relaxed.

"Lilli, jour Bruder never changes," Gilbert commented, laughing. Lilli hugged Gilbert tightly, making Katyusha smile. Lilli then hugged Francis tightly, making the blonde laugh.

"It iz wonderful to see you doing well, Lilli! 'ow iz ze world's best sister-in-law?" Francis asked.

"Oh, that's right! I forgot you two were siblings!" Katyusha looked between Gilbert and Lilli. The two nodded happily, while Amelia was just standing there. Natalia patted her back and softly smiled.

"Gilbert has many siblings. He's the second oldest to Roderich, who will most likely be performing at the client ball with his wife, Elizabeta. Then he has two younger brothers, Basch and Ludwig. Ludwig works at the brewery as a security guard, as he didn't receive much of the family inheritance. Basch, as you heard, owns a good amount of flooring stores. He and my brother have worked together on multiple occasions and have a strong business partnership. Basch is known as a very frugal man, but happily gives my brother a discount when he needs a job done,"

Amelia nodded as Natalia explained, smiling at Lilli.

"Well, Lilli, it's a pleasure to meet you! My name is Amelia and I'm Mr. Braginsky's new personal assistant,"

"He finally got a PA? Good, as vealthy as Ivan is, he's a very disorganized man. No offense," Lilli looked at Katyusha, who laughed.

"None taken, we all know how my brother is. Anyway, we are renovating the file room that's adjacent to his office. It is going to be Amelia's office and so we're giving it a whole new look. Best start from the ground up, so here we are!" Katyusha gestured widely to the store. Lilli laughed and nodded, gesturing to the ground level.

"Vell, I'd be happy to help you pick a style!"

"Amelia, it's your office, so what kind of flooring would you like?" Katyusha asked the shorter female. Amelia hummed in thought and crossed her arms.

"Well, I want something bright but also something sturdy. I like products that normally are more eco friendly and are durable, this way the maintenance isn't too hard,"

"Hm, interesting. I know that terrazzo is very durable and has many eco-friendly properties. It is also has a very clean and professional look to it," Lilli gestured for them to follow her. She gestured to a small, square tile sample of flooring, gently giving it Amelia. She looked it over with an unreadable gleam in her eyes.

"It looks too professional, and it's really expensive! I know it's my office, but I still feel bad spending that much on the flooring. I still need to paint and furnish it after all," Amelia looked to the side. Her eyes stopped wandering when something caught her eyes, making the entire group notice.

"Amelia? Are jou ok?" Gilbert asked softly. Amelia lightly handed Lilli back the sample and walked over to a different section. She looked at a piece of flooring and smiled, feeling it under her fingertips.

"What is this one?" Amelia asked. Lilli looked and examined the sample.

"This is bamboo, a vonderful choice! Bamboo is eco friendly and very versatile. It is normally used in homes, as it is von of the only floorings that can retain radiant heat. It also comes plain and has many different color stains to choose from. That particular bamboo product is waterproof up to thirty hours and is scratch resistant. Ve have many stains in stock and are offering free installation if you buy the heating package," Lilli showed her a bunch of stain sample, making Amelia smile.

"Heating package?"

"Yes, it's an extra grand. But ve install heated flooring and set up all electrical systems. This includes a small thermometer that links via Bluetooth and can be installed in any office. You can also purchase a private app vhere you can control the flooring as vell,"

"Sound perfect to me. All of Ivan's business is so sterile and white, no part of it really feels like homey or warm. The only place with carpet is one of the conference rooms," Amelia picked up a dark brown stain called Antique Bronze, "this is perfect. This paired with the heated floors and nice paint would give such a cozy feeling. Wouldn't you all think?" the group nodded and Lilli rang up their order.

"I'll call Mr. Braginsky to tell 'im what is 'appening," Francis smiled and left the store. He dialed his phone quickly and put it to his ears.

"Privet, Francis. What is it?"

"Sir, we just bought ze flooring for Amelia's office from one of Basch's stores. After we purchase ze paint and 'ave ze office painted, zey will be coming to install 'er floors,"

"What kind did she choose?"

"Bamboo, it is quite nice. She bought ze 'eating package, so zey are going to install a 'eating system before laying down ze already stained bamboo. She chose a dark brown color, said zat it would feel cozier," Ivan smiled at that and nodded.

"Alright, I will let Toris, Eduard, and Raivis know. Keep me posted,"

"Oui," Francis hung up and smiled as the group left the store.

"Next is paints, which according to this map, is on the other side of the outlets," Amelia walked with Katyusha again, leaving the other three behind. Natalia took notice of a small limp in Amelia's stride.

"Do you three notice her limping?" she asked quietly. The two looked and nodded at her.

"Ve see it," Gilbert answered. Natalia looked at the two with a quirked brow.

"I still want to know what you two know," Natalia reiterated with an annoyed tone. The two men quivered and stepped slightly away.

"We will discuss it at lunch," Francis whispered as they arrived at the paint store. Amelia instantly took a liking to a whitish paint with a very slight blue tint called Wharf, so they purchased the package deal. Francis, once again, called Ivan to inform him of what was happening. The troop went to an interior design shop next and picked out all of Amelia's office furniture. She bought fourteen smoke grey filing cabinets that only had two compartments, this way the new floors had a lesser chance of getting damaged and she could find files quicker. She also bought a smoke grey bookcase, so that she could have little knick-knacks as well as some of her journals on display. They bought a plain table desk with a white top, a few drawers, and metal legs and a comfortable office chair. They also bought smaller items like file racks, picture frames, and even a mini waterfall.

When all that was said and done, Francis informed Ivan once again. Ivan prepared to receive the painters and everyone else, supervising every crew member that entered Amelia's future office. The troop was at lunch while most of this was happening, having stopped at a sit-down restaurant to rest their feet. Amelia and Katyusha decided to split a margarita flatbread pizza, Gilbert ordered a bowl of baked potato soup, Natalia ordered a cobb salad, and Francis ordered an orange and walnut salad. They all ordered lemon water, to keep hydrated. They ate pleasantly and all shared their food, laughing and taking their time. That's when Katyusha, who was seated next to Amelia, noticed a slight heat radiating from her abdomen.

"Amelia, are you ok? You're radiating heat," she asked. Amelia felt her own forehead and shrugged.

"I guess I can go splash some water on my face, be right back," she excused herself and got out of the booth. Natalia took this time to look at the boys with hard eyes.

"Will you two tell us what you know now?" Natalia asked with venom. Katyusha was confused and looked at the two men, who shifted uncomfortably under their watch.

"Ok, fine, ve'll tell! Just quit zat!" Gilbert shivered and gestured to their faces. Once the two women visibly calmed down, Francis opened his mouth.

"Amelia iz Ivan's soulmate," the two were speechless but waited for him to continue, "we can't interfere with it. But, ze situation iz complicated,"

"Amelia us married to an abusive alcoholic. Ve know he beats her daily, but can't do anything," at hearing that, Katyusha stood up. She walked to the bathroom with the power of a protective sister who had just been angered. Natalia still remained seated, still processing the words she had just heard.

"What are we going to do?" Natalia asked.

"Zere isn't much we can do," Francis reminded grimly. That when Natalia got a text from Katyusha. She looked at her phone and her eyes widened.

Big Sis: Call 9-1-1! Call it now! Tell the staff! Amelia's bleeding and unresponsive!!!

She showed the text to the others, who stood up abruptly.

"Natalia, jou go to the bathroom und stay vith Amelia. Ve vill handle everything else!" Gilbert ordered, pointing to the bathroom. Natalia stormed off and did as told, while Gilbert went to the staff. They took immediate action and called an ambulance, while Francis called Ivan.

"Francis, what is it? Everything is going good so far here,"

"Well, boss, it iz not ze same on our end. Amelia iz bleeding, I don't know where, but Katyusha and Natalia are in ze bat'room with her. Ze restaurant called an ambulance and iz proceeding to take action," Francis could hear the rustling of fabric on the other end of the line.

"I am coming now!" Ivan hung up and barged out of his office. The three secretaries looked at him and he looked to Toris, "Toris, you are in charge! Supervise the work being done to Amelia's office, I am going out! If anybody calls, tell them it was an emergency!" Ivan ran to his elevator. He didn't take notice of anything surrounding him, including the creaking noise coming from the elevator shaft.

When Ivan left the elevator, he plowed through the lobby. If any employee would have gotten in his way, there were no doubts he or she would have been squashed. He hopped into his SUV and sped off.

Francis: we're on our way to Saint Juniper Hospital, Amelia isn't responsive.

The text pushed Ivan to drive faster, leading him to arrive at the hospital in minutes. When he got to Amelia's room, he gasped softly.

Sitting at Amelia's bedside...Was Arthur...The wretched man who is responsible for all the beatings and pain that Amelia suffers through...

It was at that moment that Ivan quietly shut the door.

He had just received a major reality check.