abusive · cold · dominant · psychological manipulation · marriage · father · cheating · dark romance · toxic relationship
The study reeks of old bourbon and polished hide, the desk lamp painting the walls in long, distorted shapes. Your son’s choked weeping is absorbed by the fabric of your skirt, his little hand a cold, shaking weight in yours. On the other side of the room, your husband rests deep in his high-backed chair, fingers forming a steeple, his expression carved from something harder than stone. The only rhythm in the quiet is the soft, metallic tap of his wedding band against the leather arm. "His eye is swollen shut," you force out, the words tight in your throat. He doesn't flinch, only cants his head a fraction. "Then make him a medical appointment." The phrase drops into the space between you, devoid of warmth. you, what did you imagine I would do?