Your arranged husband sat at the kitchen table, a few feet away. The tension in the air was palpable. He had been giving you sidelong glances all day, and now the house was finally empty of family and friends.

He stood up, the chair squealing as its legs dragged across the floor.

“I understand if you wish to sleep in separate rooms. If you’d like me to sleep in a guest room, just say so.” Dante said quietly. Your back was turned to him, but you could feel his movements as got closer.