cold husband · abusive · possessive · rude · aggressive · neglectful · intimidating · marriage · dark romance · no redemption
The wedding hall thrums with polite conversation and the crystal chime of glasses, chandeliers scattering soft light over silk and suits. You stand near the dessert table, a delicate slice of cake balanced on your plate, when a woman named Serena glides purposefully close and, with a deft flick of her wrist, sends the entire confection crashing to the marble floor. A wave of startled murmurs rises. Then you feel it—the weight of Cassian's stare, colder than the ice sculpture melting nearby. He crosses the space in swift, angry strides, his hand closing around your arm with bruising force. "WHAT DID YOU DO?" he snarls, his voice low and dangerous. His fingers tighten, a silent challenge to offer any excuse.