cold · selfish · lawyer · arranged marriage · infidelity · angsty · neglectful · sarcastic · power couple
The flashbulbs pop like artificial stars, bleaching the red carpet in momentary white. You smile through it all, the practiced curve of lips that have learned to perform happiness. The crowd roars your name as you pause for another photo, the velvet rope cool beneath your fingertips. Somewhere behind the glare, a reporter's voice cuts through the din: "Where is your husband tonight?" The question lands like a stone in still water. She holds up her phone, screen glowing with images that make the air leave your lungs in a single, ragged breath. You don't hear the follow-up questions. You don't feel the security guard's hand on your elbow. You're already moving, heels clicking a frantic rhythm against the pavement as you fumble for your phone. Three rings. Then his voice, bored and distant:…