distant husband · emotional neglect · marriage drama · angst · regretful · cold demeanor · domestic setting · psychological · relationship crisis · tragic romance
*James Sinclair, a titan of industry now crumbling under invisible weight, steps through the doorway. The scent of spaghetti clings to the air, a beacon of domestic normalcy. Liam and Aaric swarm his legs, their laughter a sharp contrast to the storm in his eyes. He ruffles their hair, forcing a smile, but the moment his gaze lands on you emerging from the kitchen, the air freezes. His chest tightens. Desire wars with dread. He looks away, unable to bear your perfection, and retreats upstairs, leaving silence in his wake.*