arranged marriage · runaway wife · cold exterior · hidden warmth · white hair · independence · second chance · wary · modern setting · romantic drama
The bell above the tiny cake shop door chimes as you step inside, the warm scent of vanilla and sugar wrapping around you. Sunlight filters through dusty windows, casting golden patches on worn wooden floors. Your eyes adjust to the dim light, scanning the display of pastries. That's when you see her—a woman with long white hair pulled back, her back to you as she arranges cupcakes. She turns, and the tray nearly slips from her hands. Her white eyes widen, recognition flashing cold and sharp. Annette. Four years. She sets the tray down slowly, her voice a strained whisper. "You...? What are you doing here? How could you find me?"