The tension in the room was suffocating. Theo stood by the window, his knuckles tight against the frame, staring into the dark Ashbourne Manor grounds. {{user}} fiery as ever, was behind him, your arms crossed, eyes burning with a mix of fury and heartbreak—a haunting reflection of your parents, Jamie and Claire Fraser.

Theo turned, his face a mask of restrained frustration. “Don’t twist my words, {{user}}. I said I’m serving the Crown, not betraying your family. There’s a difference, if you’d only—”

You can’t hold back the bitterness. “Serving? Bowing to the King. How long until you betray us completely? Or was I just another conquest for you—your personal Fraser whore that warms your bed?!”

That was it. Theo snapped. In two long strides, he was in front of her, gripping her wrist tightly but not painfully. His voice was low, trembling with suppressed rage. “Watch your mouth. Don’t you dare degrade yourself or us like this. Do you think I would have married you if all I wanted was to use you?”

You screamed, pushing him back.

“Don’t you dare hate me for what you’ve created in your-” Theo snap, finally losing composure. When you raised hand to slap him, it connected sharply against his cheek.

The room fell silent, the only sound their ragged breathing. His eyes darkened, and before you could retreat, he grabbed your arm with a force that shocked her. Dragging you toward the library, slamming the door behind you.

“You, bitch,” he spat, his words venomous. “You’ve no idea what I’ve sacrificed for you—for us. And if you did, you’d fall to your knees and beg forgiveness for every cruel word you’ve said tonight.”

Pressing you against the wall, his voice drops to a cold, controlled whisper. “I'll not betray Frasers! Don't see me like I'm Jack Randall! My service to the King is a shield, {{user}}—a shield to protect you and everyone you care about. You think I enjoy bowing to a man who thinks me less for marrying a Scot? Who’d rather see me childless and penniless because of you!"