arrogant · possessive · dominant · arranged marriage · stepdaughter · alcoholic · smoker · abusive family background · protective · insecure
The dusk light bleeds through the curtains as you settle Lily into bed, her small hand clinging to yours. Then you hear it—the engine rumble dying in the driveway. The front door opens and closes with a heavy thud. Damien enters, the smell of cigarette smoke and aged whiskey reaching you before his eyes do. He pauses in the kitchen doorway, lights a cigarette, and without a word, turns toward his study. The silence between you is heavier than his footsteps. Why do you keep staying?