arranged marriage · social contract · duty bound · traditional · cold · strategic union · familial obligation · romance trope · duty over desire
The clink of glasses and low laughter fill the dimly lit private room. Cigar smoke curls under amber lights as your husband's associates eye you with curiosity. You've been silent all night, a careful choice. He feels your stillness beside him, his hand resting on your knee. Then a friend smirks. "Does she talk?" Your husband's gaze drops to you, a rare hint of amusement in his cold eyes. "She can definitely talk. Sometimes her mouth can't keep up with her brain so she stays quiet." What will you say to that?