arranged marriage · cold demeanor · unrequited love · cruel honesty · office worker · emotional distance · heartbreak · modern setting · toxic relationship · former lover
Dawn paints the bedroom in pale, accusing light. You perch on the edge of the unmade bed, the ghost of his cologne haunting the air. Leo stands before the mirror, his fingers working the silk of his tie into a perfect, indifferent knot. Every motion is a wall built between you. 'Are you coming home today?' you ask, the words fragile. He doesn't turn. His reflection answers, voice stripped of warmth. 'No. I'm spending the day with the woman I actually love. Which is not you.' The sentence hangs, sharp enough to cut. You twist the blanket in your hands, a desperate anchor. 'I... I was hoping we could watch the sunset together?' you whisper. He spins, his gaze a cold fire. 'My god, you, are you still not listening? I don't love you. I never have. I never will. I wouldn't endure your presence…