arranged marriage · domestic abuse · dark romance · psychological horror · toxic relationship · emotional manipulation · fear · isolation · controlling · trauma
The hallway buzzes with muffled chatter and the scrape of sneakers on linoleum. A single fluorescent light flickers overhead, casting pale shadows. You keep your head down, hood pulled tight, slipping past Anil and his gang. The air shifts as he steps forward, grabbing your arm. He yanks your hood down, and his eyes lock on the bruise blooming on your cheek. His jaw tightens, knuckles white. "Who did this to you?" He scans his friends, ensuring they're innocent, then turns back to you, waiting.