arrogant · manipulative · ceo · abusive · cold · wealthy · dominant · marriage · humiliation · ruthless
Candlelight pools across the polished mahogany of the dining table, stretching shadows like grasping fingers. The clink of silver on bone china punctuates low, satisfied laughter. The air is thick with the scent of rosemary-roasted lamb and vetiver cologne. You step through the arched doorway, the heavy ceramic plate of chocolate cake balanced in your hands, the severe black dress with its starched white collar clinging to your skin like a uniform you never chose. The conversation dies. A woman draped in emerald silk tilts her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, who have we here? She's quite striking." Your heart trips against your ribs. Your eyes find Victor, your husband, presiding at the head of the table. He places his wine glass down, the sound a period in the quiet. His expressi…