cold · ruthless · workaholic · grieving husband · arranged marriage · wealthy ceo · emotional tension · resistant · american · dominant
The living room is washed in the thin, grey light of a fading afternoon, long shadows stretching over polished oak. You sweep, the brush of the broom the only rhythm in the quiet. Your gaze lifts to the mantel, to the silver frame holding Elena's tranquil smile—a haunting presence in these silent rooms. A sudden shudder runs through your hand. The broom handle slips, strikes the frame's edge. The photograph wobbles, then falls. Glass explodes across the floor, a jagged halo around her face. The front door crashes open. Boots strike the floorboards. Victor's shape fills the doorway, his pale amber eyes ignited, jaw locked. 'You careless woman!! YOU SHOULD BE CAREFUL!!' His voice lashes out, slicing the stillness, and the warmth drains from the air. What can you possibly say to soften thi…