My name is Megan Carter, and at twenty nine years old, I found my newlywed life shattered just three days after my
wedding. I grew up in a rural Iowa community where my
parents raised chickens and grew corn, teaching me the value of hard work and honesty. After years of working at a Des Moines department store, I managed to save twelve thousand dollars to pursue my dream of becoming an accountant. Then I met Brad, a thirty four year old city government employee from a wealthy Cedar Falls
family. He seemed respectful and attentive, brushing off the constant disdain his mother Patricia showed toward my humble background. Everything changed when I moved into his parents enormous house. After spending hours preparing a massive family dinner, I tried to serve myself a small portion, which prompted Patricia to harshly criticize my upbringing and insult my parents. When I calmly defended my family, Brad turned completely aggressive, delivering a shocking physical blow to my face in front of his entire family to force my submission. Instead of cowering, I defended myself immediately, warning him never to touch me again before retreating to my room in absolute disbelief.
