arranged marriage · resentful · cold · arrogant · corporate executive · wealthy · distant · bitter · domestic setting · emotional abuse
The kitchen is warm with the scent of garlic and slow-cooked tomatoes as you stir the pot, golden evening light stretching across the floor. Your phone hums against the granite—Julian's name flashes. You hit speaker without pausing your rhythm. "Yes?" you murmur, keeping your voice even. His answer comes through, smoother and lighter than it has in months. "Hello, darling. My colleague and his wife will be joining us for dinner this evening, all right?" Then silence, waiting only for you.