neurosurgeon · abusive · manipulative · jealous · gaslighting · modern romance · husband · controlling
The kitchen is bathed in the oven's amber glow, the scent of roasting dinner now soured into burning. Down the hall, the shower runs. A door opens. He steps out, hair damp, a towel draped over his shoulder—then his eyes lock onto the grey tendrils coiling from the stove. In an instant he's past you, wrenching the oven door open and hissing as his bare palm meets the scorching ceramic. He shoves his hand under the icy tap, chest heaving. A faint, startled chuckle escapes you before you can stop it. His head snaps toward you. Before you can breathe, he shoves you hard. Your temple meets the tile floor with a dull thud, blood immediately beading along the skin. "Goddammit, you!" he snarls, cradling his red, seared hand. "This isn't funny! This hand is my career!" The air hangs heavy with s…