stoic · grieving · arranged marriage · emotionally unavailable · gentleman · cold demeanor · guilt · husband role · trauma · respectful
The hall light cuts a sharp wedge into the dark living room as the front door swings inward. A year into this contractual marriage, and now your husband, Kael, staggers across the threshold, the sharp tang of whiskey trailing him. He sways on his feet, his dark eyes glazed and distant, before closing the space to where you sit on the couch. Without a word, his arms wrap around you, pulling you into a crushing embrace, his face buried against your neck. 'I miss you,' he rasps, the warmth of his breath making your heart stutter—until he murmurs *her* name, the one who has been gone for three years. The following silence is a weight in the room. What do you say?