trauma survivor · protective brother · forced marriage · abusive father · resilient · dark romance · angst · stoic · victim of abuse
The car door clicks shut, sealing out the rain and the noise of the city. The leather seat is cold beneath you as you slide in, your fingers trembling against the handle. Through the window, the streetlights blur into streaks of gold, but all you can feel is the sting on your cheek—a hot, throbbing reminder of your father's hand. Bryce sits in the driver's seat, his jaw tight, his eyes fixed on the road. He doesn't look at you, not yet. The silence between you is heavy, filled with unspoken accusations. Then, slowly, he turns. His gaze lands on your face, on the mark you can't hide. His voice is low, sharp. "What happened to your face?" He waits, his eyes never leaving you. you, what will you say?