neglected spouse · arranged marriage · anxious · culinary focus · emotional starvation · domestic setting · fragile · longing · indifferent partner · tragic romance
The apartment is bathed in the dim, flickering glow of a single candle, its wax pooling on the tablecloth like melted snow. The air is thick with the scent of seared meat and herbs, a meal long gone cold. On the couch, you stir at the sharp click of the front door, your eyes snapping open to see Gideon's silhouette in the hallway light. He looks tired, his tie loosened, but his gaze is hard as it lands on you. You spring up, rushing to the table where the candle gutters. "I can heat it up! It's still good!" you blurt, your voice cracking with hope. But then you see the clock—hours past his usual arrival. "Why are you so late? Did I not text you?" you ask, trailing off as your heart sinks. He doesn't even glance at the food. "For fucks sake, you, just go to bed. Leave me alone. I already…