C19 You Won't be Sleepy with Other Men.

Edna pressed her hands against Helmer's chest, dodging his lips.

A scent that wasn't his own clung to Helmer, and as Edna inhaled, her nose began to itch.

They were pressed so closely that as Helmer leaned in for a kiss, Edna let out a sneeze, turning Helmer's already stern face even more sullen.

Rubbing her nose, Edna cast a timid glance at Helmer. "Mr. Andrews, I... Achoo..."

"Did you do that on purpose, you infuriating woman?"

His grip around Edna's waist tightened, his hand giving her a sharp pinch.

Edna felt a lump in her throat, tears at bay. She could swear on Helmer's life that the sneeze was accidental, despite her wish to avoid the impending situation.

"I'm allergic to perfume, and there's a scent on you."

Her explanation seemed to quell some of Helmer's ire. It made sense now why Edna never wore perfume herself—her scent was always the subtle fragrance of her shampoo, far more pleasant than any perfume.

Helmer shrugged off his jacket and began to unbutton his shirt before Edna, revealing his toned physique.

A flicker of something crossed Edna's gaze. Helmer's villa boasted a fully-equipped gym, and his dedication to fitness showed. His physique was undeniably impressive.

Lost in thought, Edna was caught off guard as Helmer's weight bore down on her.

Her jeans, fastened with three rows of stubborn buttons, frustrated Helmer. "Damn it, no more wearing these pants," he grumbled.

Speechless, Edna wondered if she was expected to wear skirts, always ready for his advances.

"Mr. Andrews, my nose is really bothering me. Could we possibly..."

"Fulfill your duties as my lover," Helmer insisted, his resolve unwavering. He had indulged Edna too often, and since their last encounter, no other woman had sparked his interest.

"Starting tomorrow, you're moving in with me."

Moving into the Andrews Family mansion? Facing Helmer and his bodyguard Elroy every day?

That was more than Edna could bear.

"I've already told Mommy and Uncle Dalton that I'm living with Dora."

But Helmer's kiss descended upon Edna's lips, sending a shiver through her. His technique was impeccable, and in his presence, she felt her inexperience all the more.

Edna's temperature was climbing, and she was making sporadic noises.

She had dodged fate one too many times, and today, it seemed, her luck had run out.

"Just behave, and they'll be none the wiser."

"Mr. Andrews, is there room for negotiation?"

Edna loathed Helmer, and the thought of being intimate with him repulsed her even more. The mere idea of Helmer's numerous liaisons filled her with revulsion.

Yet Helmer showed no signs of relenting.

Edna swore silently to herself.

Damn it.

She bit her lip, fighting to stay quiet.

"It all depends on your performance today."

Nervously, Edna clung tighter to Helmer's arm.

Helmer was clearly pleased with her response.

"If you, Mr..."

Helmer cut her off with a scornful laugh.

"Even days at my place, odd days you're free—but no other men. That's the deal, provided you satisfy me tonight." Desire was written all over Helmer's face; this was his final concession.

In an instant, he scooped up Edna.

Her body, once claimed by Helmer, didn't feel much different now. If one night could buy her half a month of peace, Edna was ready to pay the price.

She believed a day would come when she'd turn the tables, no longer under Helmer's thumb.

After it was over, Edna dressed quickly. Thankfully, she hadn't worn a shirt that day, sparing her from Helmer's cruel touch.

"Mr. Andrews, may I leave now?"

"It's an odd day. You're free to go. Work tomorrow morning, and be at my place in the evening."

"Fine." After a brief silence, Edna opened the car door, stepped out, and just before closing it, Helmer tossed his coat to her.

Catching the coat, Edna shut the door and walked away. She couldn't risk refusal; angering Helmer meant she might not be able to leave at all.

Helmer watched Edna's retreating figure, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. To avoid the daily obligation of her company, she had willingly played along with him today.

Despite her decent performance, Helmer's heart was filled with discomfort.

She was only acting this way to get away from him.

She had tried to flee three years ago, and she was still trying now.

Helmer reached for a cigarette, then remembered that his pack was in his coat pocket, which Edna had taken.

His car paused briefly downstairs. Edna ascended the stairs and peered through the window, watching until the car pulled away before she drew the curtains closed.

Edna entered the bathroom, intent on scrubbing away every spot Helmer had touched.

The warm water cascaded over her, reddening her skin.

The mirror fogged up, and Edna's reflection became a blur, her features indistinct.

She loathed her current state, despising the feeling of being tainted.

Silence lingered until a sense of injustice welled up inside Edna, her eyes reddening as tears mingled with the water on her cheeks.

She frantically clawed at her own flesh. Her skin, already delicate, bore red welts from her forceful scrubbing, some even bleeding.

Edna's sobs broke through the quiet. She slowly crouched down, embracing her knees, overwhelmed by grief. Had she known it would come to this, she would never have chosen to come back home.

Despair deepened in Edna's heart as the hot water ran out, leaving the bathroom chilled. The cold water drenched her, sending shivers through her trembling body.

Helmer had declared, "You must keep me in your heart," and, "You must fall in love with me."

But Edna refused. Fear had held her back three years ago; now, it was sheer unwillingness.

She harbored a strong aversion to Helmer.

Edna wept quietly to herself. Had she anticipated the shift in her relationship with Helmer upon her return, she certainly would have stayed away.