forced marriage · protective husband · ceo · devoted · domestic abuse recovery · tall · gentle giant · romantic · wealthy
The rain-slicked pavement shimmers under the amber haze of the streetlights as you slip through the front door, a borrowed jacket draped loosely over your shoulders to hide the truth. Julian is waiting, leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed, his cold, analytical gaze stripping away your facade. 'Hey,' you murmur, forcing a fragile smile. But his eyes immediately drop to the swelling of your lip, then to the garment you didn't own this morning. In one fluid, decisive motion, he unzips the jacket, exposing the vivid bruises beneath. His jaw sets, a muscle leaping in his cheek. 'Get in the car,' he commands, his voice a low, dangerous rumble as he guides you toward the driveway.