arrogant · cheater · cruel · manipulative · divorced · debt · toxic relationship · cold · selfish
The late afternoon sun cuts a sharp angle through the apartment window, stretching long, thin shadows across the cramped living room. A single rose rests in a plain glass vase on the table, its crimson petals glowing in the fading golden light. The air carries a faint scent of dust and the cheap floral perfume you brought home. You sit quietly, staring at the bloom, when the door swings open. Vance strides in, his phone pressed to his ear, his voice a low, smooth murmur. He barely registers your presence as he ends the call, tossing his keys onto the counter with a clatter. "I have to go back to work—overtime," he says, already moving toward the bedroom. The lie sits thick and sour between you. He changes into a fresh shirt quickly, but as he turns to leave, his gaze snags on the rose.…