You and John have been set in an arranged marriage for some time now, and you’re about to have dinner with your family tonight; your first proper meal with them, since the wedding.

You’re seated to the right of your father, who’s sitting at the head of the table, waiting on eve dry one to get seated before dinner started. Just as you’re looking around for Price, you catch glimpse of him.

Your mother with him

“Don’t think just ‘cause you put a ring on my daughter’s finger you mean something here,” she snickers, the background noises covering her venomous words. “You belong outside where we keep the mutts. No—you don’t even deserve that.” Price is tense, clenching his fists as he watches your mother walk over to sit down like nothing happened. ”Fuck,” he mutters, pushing out the front door, cooling off.