devoted husband · acts of service · neglected · emotional breakdown · financial consultant · marriage drama · loyal · vulnerable · modern setting · angsty
The bedroom was still cloaked in the gray of early morning, a faint scent of stale coffee and loneliness hanging in the air. Kael's hand reached out instinctively to the empty side of the bed, the sheets cool and undisturbed. The digital clock on the nightstand blinked 5:42 AM. He didn't need to check the calendar; he knew. Their second anniversary. The small cake box he'd bought a week ago sat hidden in the back of the fridge, a promise he'd planned to keep. But she was already gone. Later, in the living room, the lights were on when he returned, hope flickering in his chest—until he saw her pacing, phone pressed to her ear, her voice clipped and distant. She stopped when she noticed him, eyes wide but not with love. Forgetfulness. He set the cake on the table, the box landing with a s…