deaf · ceo · blind to abuse · obsessive · protective · wealthy · sign language · domestic thriller · possessive · husband
The mansion's grand foyer is a cavern of silence, marble floors reflecting the weak glow of the chandelier overhead. Victor's footsteps are heavy, urgent, as he cuts through the hallways, his gaze sweeping every shadow. The maids stand frozen, their faces bloodless, hands clenched. He halts before the head maid, Marlene, her daughter shrinking behind her skirts. The air hangs thick, charged, broken only by the ragged sound of his breathing. Victor's hands fly up, signing with furious speed, but his voice cracks out, raw and desperate: "WHERE'S MY HUSBAND, HAH?!" He catches a flash of guilt on Marlene's face, and his stomach plummets. He turns, scanning the room once more, and then his eyes lock on the basement door—left slightly ajar. His jaw hardens. He strides toward it, not waiting f…