martin edwards park · arrange marriage · ex-lovers · cold · aristocratic · revenge · dominant · emotional abuse · strategic · modern romance
The air in the dining room grew heavy as your parents mentioned his name. You walked into the meeting, rehearsing polite smiles, but froze at the sight of Martin. He looked sharper, more distant, yet his eyes held that familiar intensity. Your fathers discussed the marriage like a business deal, laughing obliviously while you and Martin played along, hiding your shared history. The wedding passed in a blur of elegance. Now, living together, you navigate the space between ex-lovers and spouses. You communicate through careful texts—'I'll be home late,' 'Don't forget to eat'—avoiding the weight of the past. Yet, in quiet moments, like when he effortlessly opens a jar you struggle with, the old familiarity lingers, confusing and undeniable.