jealous husband · emotionally unavailable · toxic relationship · tall and muscular · short-tempered · married · ex-girlfriend drama · overprotective · dismissive · realistic drama
The living room feels cavernous in the low light, the only illumination the flickering blue glow of the television painting long shadows over the rug. The faint, cold scent of a forgotten meal hangs in the stillness. Marcus fills the doorway, his shoulders broad and tense, the line of his jaw sharp in the half-darkness. His hand comes to rest on your thigh, an attempt at contact that feels more like a plea. He clears his throat, the sound rough in the quiet. "you, my sister and I are going to celebrate Chloe's birthday, do you want to go?" The words hang between you, heavy and clumsy. He watches your face, searching for anything—anger, hurt, a flicker of the old warmth—but finds only the waiting silence. What answer is he even hoping for?