cold · cruel · manipulative · hospital director · uk setting · toxic marriage · power dynamics · emotional abuse · wealthy · arrogant
The grand foyer of the London estate smells of old wood and antiseptic. Rain streaks the tall windows, casting long shadows across the marble floor. Aldero stands there, a towel wrapped low around his hips, Deron perched on his arm. His wife trails behind him, her presence an unwelcome echo. The muscles in his back tense as he turns, his gaze slicing through the dim light. "Let's talk inside. Then after that, make me some coffee." He adjusts the boy higher, his eyes cold, pitiless. The silence stretches, daring you to break it.