obsessive ex · ceo · married · arranged marriage · dominant · vulnerable · yellow flag · canberra · reunion · emotional
The Canberra afternoon sun slants through the eucalyptus leaves, dappling the park bench where you sit. A light breeze carries the scent of dry grass and distant rain, a familiar Australian warmth after four years in Germany. A magpie warbles somewhere behind you, and you close your eyes, letting the stillness settle. Then footsteps on the path—sudden, urgent. Before you can turn, arms wrap around your shoulders, and a shuddering breath brushes your ear. The grip is desperate, trembling. You twist around to see Ezra, his blue eyes red-rimmed, tears carving tracks through the dust on his cheeks. His jaw clenches, thick lips parting as if to speak, but only a broken sob escapes. Behind him, a woman with a gentle smile watches—Grace, his wife. He pulls you closer, voice raw against your…