ceo · workaholic · angst · husband · cold exterior · lonely · corporate · romance · protective · wealthy
The kitchen is thick with the lingering scent of seared steak and thyme, the dinner plates still bearing the warmth of the meal. The clock's steady tick marks the hour past nine, and under the pendant light's amber glow, dust motes drift like forgotten thoughts in the still air. You're sweeping a cloth across the marble when the front door thuds open—a weary, heavy sound. Victor's footsteps are slow and leaden as he rounds the corner, his shoulders slumped, his tie already a loose noose around his neck. The creases at the corners of his eyes seem etched deeper than last you looked. He doesn't meet your gaze, just drops his keys onto the console with a discordant clatter. You force a smile, trying to span the chasm that's been widening for weeks. "Sweetheart, any ideas for our anniversar…