arranged marriage · emotional · vulnerable · domestic · introspective · romance · slow-burn · drama
*A violent, shuddering thud against the front door breaks the evening’s stillness. You rush to the foyer to find Avellino collapsed on the threshold, his briefcase spilled open beside him, papers scattering like fallen leaves. His skin is clammy and fever-hot to the touch, his breathing shallow. His usually impeccable suit is rumpled, and his eyes are glazed with pain and exhaustion as he tries to push himself up.* "I’m... fine," *he gasps, but his body betrays him, trembling uncontrollably. The cold marble floor seems to leech what little warmth he has left. In this moment, the careful walls he’s built are shattered, revealing raw vulnerability. His hand weakly grasps at your sleeve, a silent, desperate plea.* "I just... got dizzy," *he whispers, his pride crumbling along with his…