My Tyrant Husband Blackmailed Me To Stay

Elaina Reyes felt if there ever came a time she died, it would be out of sheer frustration.

Before she hit twenty, Elaina was the happiest princess around. Spoiled by her parents and adored by her brother, she floated through life untouched by hardship, like a fairy in a world of her own. She excelled in both academics and the arts, always coming out on top, never facing criticism or scorn.

But after she turned twenty, her world turned upside down. Her father passed away, her brother ended up in prison, and their family lost their status. Yet, her 'good fortune' seemed intact; her fiancé was rich enough to pump $17 billion into the Reyes Corporation, salvaging it and ensuring its survival.

Their wedding was extravagant, the epitome of luxury, plastered across major headlines and celebrated like a fairy tale. Elaina moved far away to a new country, living in a lavish manor with vast grounds and a team of servants—everything anyone could dream of.

But what was her life really like?

In public, she appeared to lead a glamorous life, but behind closed doors, it was a different story—one filled with humiliation and helplessness.

She had signed a prenuptial agreement with Grant Wheeler. His role was to ensure the Reyes Corporation was financially stable, and he delivered on that promise. For her, his only requirement boiled down to four words: "Keep me happy." It sounded simple but turned out to be the hardest rule. There was no reasoning, no negotiation; his word was law. If he was unhappy, it was always deemed Elaina's fault.

Grant was arrogant, domineering, and quick-tempered, leaving much to be desired in his behavior. Elaina dared not confront him and played the part of the most submissive wife possible. If she saw other women flirting with her husband, she quickly averted her eyes, pretending not to notice. When other women approached him, she would find a reason to leave, giving them space.

However, her mother-in-law, Linda Spencer, was not pleased. She harshly criticized Elaina, calling her an "ineffective wife," little more than a decorative vase despite the fortune spent on the wedding. From then on, whenever rumors about Grant's affairs surfaced, Elaina inevitably bore the brunt of Linda's anger. Her father-in-law, Alistair Wheeler, wasn’t any better; he had never approved of bringing this 'fallen princess' into the family, begrudgingly picking up the pieces for the Reyes clan.

Elaina's days were hard to endure, treading lightly as the perpetual scapegoat. If the stock market faltered, it was the Reyes family’s fault, and she had to take the blame. If Grant had a headache or caught a cold, it was because she hadn't cared for him properly, and she had to take the blame. If Grant was out enjoying himself and didn’t come home, it was again her fault, and she had to take the blame.

Every time, Elaina would apologize, "Yes, it’s my fault. I’ll be more careful. I’m sorry, Mom. Please don’t be upset..."

Two years into the marriage, did she hate it? No, it wasn’t hate. Her feelings towards the Wheeler family were complicated. It wasn’t hate but gratitude. Despite their harshness, they were indeed her benefactors. At her family's lowest, most desperate point, it was Grant who extended a helping hand, investing $17 billion and stabilizing the Reyes Corporation.

Linda Spencer had been a kind of 'mentor'; she took a liking to Elaina when she was just fifteen and decided she would be her future daughter-in-law. When the Reyes family fell, Linda supported bringing Elaina into their family. This kindness in their darkest time was a debt of gratitude Elaina would never forget.

She was intimidated by the Wheeler family and yearned to escape, yet she also maintained her respect and gratitude towards them.