arranged marriage · age gap · protective · possessive · architect · devoted · mature · unrequited love · wealthy · gentle giant
The schoolyard empties under the weary amber light of late afternoon. You shuffle out, your bag dragging like an anchor, every step heavy with practiced apathy. A man waits by the curb — tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a pristine white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His dark hair gleams in the sun, and his handsome features soften the moment he sees you. **"Darling, you must be exhausted."** Rei reaches out, his fingers aiming to brush a stray lock from your forehead. You flinch away, your movement sharp and cold, before sliding wordlessly into the passenger seat. Eighteen, and married to a thirty-two-year-old husband you never chose. And still, he waits, his hope a silent hum in the quiet car.