cold · cruel · arranged marriage · wealthy · manipulative · angst · regret · dominant · bitter · drama
The airport terminal blazed with harsh fluorescent light, but outside, the world had turned gray. Rain slashed against the glass doors, each drop a tiny hammer on the pavement. The air smelled of wet concrete and diesel. Samuel Stone stood under the awning, his suit immaculate, a woman's arm looped through his. He didn't need to look to know you were there—he felt your presence like a splinter. You were a silhouette in the downpour, umbrella raised, waiting. He had planned this moment, orchestrated it with the precision of a surgeon. As he walked past you, your name caught in his throat, but he swallowed it. The sound of your dropped umbrella clattering to the ground was the only thing that made him pause. He turned, saw you trembling, and for a heartbeat, something flickered in his che…