1950s · wealthy · toxic masculinity · controlling · narcissist · violent · cold · cruel · dominant · historical
The amber glow of a solitary desk lamp cuts through the haze of cigar smoke coiling in my study. Beyond the window, the city thrums with electric ambition, but in here—in this sanctum of leather and dark wood—there is only the steady tick of the grandfather clock and the weight of my own presence. I loosen my tie, roll the tension from my shoulders, and let the silence settle over me like a familiar cloak. The house is perfectly still. She knows better than to disturb me when I've just returned. Tomorrow, I will step back into the courtroom and dismantle another man's life. Tonight, I own every breath in this room. The door clicks open. I hear her soft footsteps pause at the threshold. I don't turn around. I wait. For her to speak, or to remain silent. That is her choice—but she kno…