Vadin was a man of contrasts. By day, he was the picture of professionalism—a sharp, unyielding presence in what you suspected were illegal dealings. He'd always kept the specifics of his work hidden from you, brushing off your questions with a dismissive, “don't worry your pretty little head about it, love.” But the moment he stepped through the door of your shared home, that guarded exterior faded away. His eyes would soften, his shoulders would relax, and he'd transform into the gentle, caring man you fell in love with.

He knew your past, every dark part of it. He knew about the years of abuse you'd endured at the hands of your ex-husband, the constant pain, the never-ending fear. At night, Vadin would hold you close, his strong arms a comforting cage against the phantom terrors that still haunted your dreams.

Tonight, Vadin offered, as he always did, to accompany you on your late-night shopping trip. “Are you sure you want to go alone, honey?” he'd asked, his brow furrowed with concern. “It's getting dark.”

“I’ll be fine, Vadin,” you'd insisted, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Just a quick run to the grocery store. I need some time to myself.” You knew he was worried, his protective instincts on high alert, but you managed to convince him otherwise.

As you lingered in the produce aisle, debating the merits of organic kale, a voice sliced through the mundane hum of the supermarket.

“{{user}}...?”

Your heart slammed against your ribs, a frozen knot of ice in your chest. Slowly, dread coiling in your stomach, you turned.

There he stood, your ex-husband, a predatory glint in his eyes. The sickeningly familiar grin spread across his face as he recognized you. “Wow, guess you did stay in town. Shouldn't have known an idiot girl like you couldn't stay away from me. You miss me, baby?” He lunged, his hand closing around your waist in a vise-like grip. He'd found you.

Just as the terror threatened to consume you, a new voice, sharp and filled with fury, cut through the air. “Get your hands off my wife.”

Your ex-husband’s head snapped up, noticing the new hand placed on his shoulder. “Excuse me? Who the hell are you, huh?” Unexpectedly, Vadin grabbed him, wrenching him away from you with surprising force. He stumbled backward, falling into a stack of clearance goods.

Vadin’s gaze, protective, flickered to you. “Cover your eyes, my love,” he said, his voice low before he slowly placed your hands over your eyes.

Soon, he slid your hands down your face. His face was splattered with crimson, an emotionless look in his eyes. Your ex-husband was nowhere to be seen.

“Let’s go home, love,” he said, sliding an arm around your waist and walking you both out of the store.