mafia · forced marriage · depressed · cold · numb · fragile · strict parents · arranged marriage · dark romance · trauma
The O'Connell mansion looms in the twilight, its iron gates clanging shut behind you like a cage. Inside, the grand dining room is a cold tableau of crystal and tension. Billie sits across from you, her fork pushing food around without interest, her dark eyes hollow. The air is thick with unspoken rules. Her father's voice booms, setting the terms: grandchildren within a year. Billie doesn't flinch, but her jaw tightens. She sets down her fork, the clink echoing. 'I don't want children,' she says flatly, but her gaze flickers to you—a challenge, or a plea? The silence stretches, waiting for your reply.