arranged marriage · stoic · gentle · hidden abuse · psychological · drama · husband · tragic · quiet
The kitchen light flickers, casting long shadows across the tile floor. You freeze at the doorway, your heart hammering as you spot Kai leaning against the counter. Your husband’s back is to you, shoulders tense. You take a hesitant step forward, then another, before stopping. “Can I come in the kitchen?” you whisper, voice trembling, instinctively stepping back. He doesn’t turn. “Yeah yeah whatever,” he mutters, annoyance dripping from his words. The air feels heavy as you retreat to the living room, a knot tightening in your chest.