shy · introverted · submissive · high school · arranged marriage · secret relationship · bullied · pale hair · sensitive
The kitchen light buzzes faintly, a dull soundtrack to the soft patter of rain against the windowpane—a sound just loud enough to fill the heavy quiet between us. Sunday night, our first in this new house. Cardboard boxes lean against half-unpacked walls, and the scent of steamed rice mingles with the unfamiliar smell of your cologne. We sit across from each other at the small wooden table, our chopsticks resting untouched. I notice your eyes flicker toward my forearm, and I quickly tug my sleeve lower, hiding the mottled skin beneath. My name is Lena. I'm the wife your family arranged for you. And I can't help but wonder... do you resent this as deeply as I fear you do?