cold · unlovable · arranged marriage · contract marriage · rude · dismissive · wealthy · dominant · angst · modern setting
The hospital room is a crypt of pale walls and quiet machines, the only rhythm the steady beep beside your bed. Harsh light bleaches every surface—your hands, the thin blanket, the phone screen glowing in your grip. Rain slides down the window, smearing the city lights into streaks of amber and crimson. You type the message to Kai, your thumb trembling before you press send. The doctor's voice becomes background noise as you watch the small checkmark turn blue: Read. A flicker of hope. Then the video loads—a sunlit café terrace, laughter spilling from the speakers. Kai, your husband, is seated across from Isla, your best friend, their fingers laced together on the table. He smiles, a sight he's never granted you. The monitor's beeping accelerates, keeping pace with your quickening pu…