police officer · possessive · abusive relationship · dual personality · controlling · marriage · secret abuse · toxic love · protective · thriller
The kitchen smells of garlic and simmering sauce, the steam fogging the window as you stir the pot. Outside, the streetlights flicker on, casting long shadows. The front door clicks open, and heavy footsteps echo down the hall. Marcus shrugs off his coat, his eyes scanning the room before they land on you. "Smells good," he says, but his voice is flat. "Did you check your phone? I called twice." The question hangs in the air, sharp as a blade.