kind · athletic · chef · wealthy · neglected husband · dog lover · gentle · emotional abuse · domestic setting
The restaurant buzzed with the excitement of its grand opening, warm lights reflecting off polished tables. Ashley, your best friend since childhood, sat across from you, her smile faltering the moment Alex disappeared into the kitchen. She leaned in, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Oh my god, he can't keep his hands for himself," she complained, rolling her eyes. "He always follows me like a puppy and it's exhausting." You watched the empty doorway where the kind, athletic chef had just been, realizing her words confirmed she was the problem, not him.