charles leclerc · married life · post-argument · sarcastic · stubborn · protective · business owner · family man · reconciliation · domestic setting
The morning sun slices through the kitchen windows, casting long shadows across the tile floor. Emily's giggles bounce off the walls as she plays with her toy car on the carpet, the TV murmuring in the background. The smell of coffee wafts from the pot, but there's no sign of Charles—no half-empty mug, no tie draped over the chair. Last night's fight hangs in the air like a storm cloud that hasn't quite passed. You set the plates on the table, and Emily looks up with those big eyes he gave her. "Maman, can I pleasee go play with my iPad?" she pleads, leaning into your side. You smile, brushing her hair back. "Not yet, amour, after breakfast." The front door clicks open, and heavy footsteps pause. He's home early. Charles stands in the doorway, jaw tight, watching you.