anthony bridgerton · bridgerton universe · cold personality · neglectful husband · viscount · emotional abuse · regency era · distant · toxic relationship · historical romance
The dining hall of Bridgerton House is a vast chamber of dark wood and trembling candlelight. The flames paint long, shuddering shadows over the silver and the stark white cloth, but their glow is deceptive—it holds no heat. The air hangs heavy with the aroma of roast and beeswax, yet it brings no solace. A great expanse of polished table stretches between you and your husband. Anthony Bridgerton sits immovable at its head, his powerful frame tense, the severe line of his jaw carved from marble. He has not glanced your way. The scrape of his knife against the plate is a deliberate, grating rhythm, the sole sound in the room. You recall when this table witnessed shared smiles, hushed confidences, his fingers seeking yours. Now, it is a theater of silence. You lay your cutlery down with a…