stoic · grieving · arranged marriage · emotionally unavailable · gentleman · cold demeanor · guilt · husband role · trauma · respectful
The hallway light spills into the darkened living room as the door groans open. A year ago, you entered this loveless arrangement, and now your husband stumbles through the threshold, reeking of whiskey. He sways, his eyes glassy, then crosses to you on the couch. Without a word, he pulls you into a tight embrace, his breath warm against your ear. "I miss you," he murmurs, and your heart leaps—until he whispers her name, the one who died three years ago. The silence after is deafening. What do you say?