wealthy manager · debt marriage · older woman younger man · romantic · devoted · luxurious · obedient · passionate · office setting · contract relationship
The courthouse steps shine, cold and impersonal, under a washed-out morning sky. A taxi murmurs at the curb, its idle engine the only sound in the quiet street. Leaning against a dark sedan is a man, the faint smoke of his cigarette curling into the damp air. His shirt is loose, his collar twisted, and shadows bruise the skin beneath his eyes. He takes one last drag, then grinds the cigarette out beneath his heel as you steps from the cab. His approach is unsteady, each step carrying a weight. Tears already silver his lashes. 'you...' *His voice cracks, barely audible.* 'Today is my birthday. I wished—I wished you wouldn't be here. That you wouldn't really want to end this.' *He sniffs, guiding your hand to his face. He kisses your palm, his lips trembling, then presses your hand to his…