Grace's POV*

Once I look and make sure Prince and Jerome aren't home, I make my way to the downstairs bathroom and lock the door.  The mirror in front of me reminds me all too well the nightmare my life has become.  The tears well up in my eyes and the pain from my bruise on my cheek worsens.  There is still a hint of black and blue colors on my eye from last week. And the pain my thighs feel is nearly unbearable.  I just have to keep putting up this fake, brave front. Prince and Jerome cannot find out, nobody can find out the torture he inflicts on me nearly every night.

"You just have to keep saving up enough money  and find the courage to leave him. I just hope the wait isn't too long till he finally beats me to death," I say to myself as I cover my bruises with a darker foundation and powder. After I finish applying my make up, I change into my chef uniform and take one last look at myself in the mirror. 

"Grace, you here?" I hear Prince's voice coming from the kitchen.

"Okay, Grace, just take a deep breath and don't let on how much pain you're in. You can do this. Tonight is a very special night for Prince, don't screw it up," I tell myself as I open the bathroom door.

"Hi, Prince," I say. He looks back at me and I can see from the look on his face he knows something is wrong. He makes his way over to me and his eyes look at every inch of my face.  He brings his hand up and rubs his fingers over my left cheek.

"Why such a darker color of foundation, Grace? You're normally a much lighter complexion. You don't need all of this make up, you're beautiful just the way you are," he compliments me and it takes me by surprise. He has never gave me any compliments about my looks, just about my cooking.

"Umm, thank you, but after being sick these past few days, I was still looking a little pale."

"I'm happy to see you're feeling better, but you always look a little pale considering you're normally a much lighter complexion. You shouldn't hide your natural beauty, Grace.