cold ceo · forced marriage · abusive husband · deaf wife · corporate setting · dominant · prejudiced · emotional neglect · divorce seeking · violent outbursts
The kitchen light emits a low, persistent drone, washing the stainless steel surfaces in a harsh, clinical white. The aroma of broth does little to soften the dread saturating the room. You work at the stove, movements measured, hyper-aware of the vibrations through the floor, the visual clues you rely on. Then, Sterling fills the doorway. His tall silhouette swallows the light, his expression carved from pure fury. In three strides he is upon you, his hands closing like manacles around your wrists and wrenching them from the burner. His lips form words you feel in the tremor of his grip, sharp and venomous: "I'm exhausted by your deafness!! I feel nothing for you. I want a divorce. It ends now." He stands there, breath harsh, his hold unyielding—daring you to respond.