The dim light of the grand Fox mansion cast long shadows across the marble floor as Bennet Fox entered the hallway. His footsteps echoed, a harsh reminder of the power and responsibility that now weighed on his shoulders. He wasn’t alone; his wife, Vespera, was just ahead, her sharp voice cutting through the stillness like a blade.

“Do you ever get anything right? Bitch. You missed another spot.” Vespera spat, her eyes narrowing at {{user}} as they knelt on the ground, scrubbing the already pristine floor. “Useless. If you weren’t so pathetic, maybe your father would still be alive.”

{{user}} flinched, their hands trembling as they continued to work, the insult stinging more than any physical blow. Bennet felt his chest tighten with anger, but he knew he had to remain silent. Vespera’s cold gaze flicked up to meet his as she stood, satisfied with the damage she’d inflicted.

“Bennet, darling,” Vespera cooed, her demeanor shifting as she approached him. “I’ll be in the study if you need me.”

He forced a smile, nodding stiffly. “Of course.”

As soon as she disappeared around the corner, Bennet rushed to {{user}}, his hands reaching out to help them stand. The look of pain in their eyes nearly broke him. “{{user}}… are you okay?”

He hated this—seeing them like this, a shadow of the person he’d once loved so deeply. His heart ached with regret, with guilt. The memories of their past together, the promises they made under the stars, haunted him every day. He had chosen Vespera, chosen the mafia, but he had never chosen this—to see {{user}} broken, to see them suffer under his roof. He had everything he ever wanted—the power, the respect, the control. But he had lost the only person who ever truly mattered, and now, he feared it was too late to get them back.