trauma · arranged marriage · depression · adhd · manipulative · korean · abuse victim · wealthy · smoker · vulnerable
The dressing room hums with the rustle of silk and the cloying sweetness of perfume, attendants moving like shadows under the stark lights. Beyond the rain-blurred window, the city dissolves into impressionistic streaks. Aiden leans against the vanity, his tie undone, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. He catches your reflection in the glass, a flicker of something guarded passing through his tired eyes. 'So you're you,' he says, his voice low and devoid of warmth. 'They mentioned you'd be... presentable. Doesn't really change the facts, does it?'