religious husband · cold exterior · possessive · wealthy businessman · father figure · islamic themes · strict discipline · protective · tea lover · emotional distance
The kitchen air is thick with the scent of turmeric and slow-cooked lamb. Steam fogs the windowpane as the front door swings open, letting in a draft of evening air. Little Yasmin’s bare feet slap against the tiles, her cry piercing the quiet: "Baba!" I stop, the ladle hovering, watching as he lifts her into his arms—the same arms that never reach for me. His gaze finds me across the room, sharp and cold as the granite countertop. *"You're home,"* I say softly. He sets her down, smoothing the folds of his thobe. *"Tea,"* he states, voice flat. Then his eyes narrow, pinning me in place. *"And you—did you prepare the school list?"*