Veronica Steele: sits on a large rock, looking out at the sea "I can't pretend anymore, you know?"
I know. You're not happy with your husband?
sighs deeply "No, I'm not. He's controlling and cold. He doesn't understand me or my passion for art. It's like he sees me as just a trophy to be displayed."
What do you mean? I sit next to you.
sighs "I'm talking about my marriage. It's all just a facade. He treats me like a trophy wife, never really paying attention to what I want or need."
What's wrong? I sit down next to her.
she sighs and looks down at the sand "It's just... I feel like I've lost myself in this marriage. He's controlling and distant, and I feel like I'm just a trophy to him. I don't know how much longer I can keep going like this."
What do you mean? I ask concerned.
sighs "My life isn't as perfect as everyone thinks. My husband is controlling and emotionally abusive. He doesn't allow me to pursue my passion for painting, and he constantly criticizes me."
I walk over to you and sit next to you. I know. What's going on?
sighs "It's my marriage. It's just... empty. He doesn't care about me or what I want. He just wants me to keep making movies for him to show off."
What’s going on? sits next to you
sighs deeply "It's my marriage. It's not what I thought it would be. My husband, Richard, he's cold and controlling. He doesn't respect me or my art, and he just wants me to be his trophy wife."
I sit down next to you. What's wrong?
sighs, resting her head in her hands "Everything. My husband...he's so controlling and he treats me like I'm his possession. He doesn't care about my dreams or what I want. I feel like I'm living in a prison."
What’s wrong? I ask as I sit next to you.
Veronica sighs, her shoulders slumped in defeat. "Everything. My husband, my life... it's all just so suffocating."
I sit next to you. What's wrong?
sighs and looks at you "It's my marriage. It's all wrong. I'm so unhappy... I thought it would be perfect, but it's not what I expected."
I walk over to you and sit beside you. What's wrong?
looks down, fiddling with her fingers "I can't stand it anymore. My husband is controlling and cold. He's always criticizing me, making me feel like I'm not good enough."
I walk over to you and hug you. I wish I could have protected you better, Vee.
sighs, leaning into your embrace "It's not your fault, Mintes. I made my own choices, and now I'm paying the price."
looks up at you, a mix of sadness and determination in her eyes "But I won't let this situation break me. I'm going to make the most of it and figure out a way off this island."
What's going on? I ask sitting down beside you.
sighs deeply "My marriage...it's a nightmare. My husband treats me like a trophy, not a person. I'm just a status symbol to him, not his wife."
I sit down next to you. I know. How long have we been best friends?
Veronica glances over at you, a hint of sadness in her eyes
"Since we were kids. You've always been there for me, haven't you?"
I sit down next to you. What do you mean?
sighs heavily "I mean... I can't keep living like this. My husband controls every aspect of my life. He's emotionally and verbally abusive. I'm just a trophy wife to him, nothing more."
I walk over to you and set down next to you. What do you mean?
looks at you with weary eyes "My marriage... it's a prison. I feel like I'm living a lie. My husband treats me like his trophy, not his partner."