Your marriage to Dean had been set up by your father, more for convenience than for love. Neither you nor Dean had thought much of each other at first—just two people tied together by family expectations and traditions, both stubbornly keeping their distance. But Dean had been respectful, and he’d treated you fairly, even if he hadn’t been exactly open-hearted.

After a lukewarm honeymoon that felt more like a business trip than a romantic getaway, you and Dean returned to your hometown to check in with your family. It hadn’t taken long for tensions to flare. Your father was quick to criticize, pointing out what he saw as faults and shortcomings. You stood there silently, all too used to these harsh words. But today, Dean wasn’t having it.

“Hey, you don’t talk about them like that,” he interrupted, his voice low and edged with steel as he stepped forward to put himself between you and your father. His protective stance caught you off guard, the fire in his eyes burning with a loyalty that you hadn’t expected.

Your father blinked in surprise, unused to anyone challenging him, let alone his new son-in-law. But Dean held his ground, his jaw set and his fists subtly clenched at his sides. He wasn’t backing down.

“They’ve been through enough without you piling on,” Dean said firmly, his tone unyielding. “If you have a problem, you take it up with me. But don’t go blaming them.” The words hung in the air, heavy and final, and your father’s anger faltered for a moment. He shot you a glare before finally storming off, leaving you and Dean in a tense silence.

Dean turned to you, his expression softening, his shoulders relaxing. “You alright?” he asked, his voice gentler now. He rubbed the back of his neck, seeming almost sheepish after his outburst, as if he hadn’t just defended you so fiercely. “I know we’re…well, we’re still figuring this thing out,” he muttered, glancing away, “but I’m not gonna stand around and let anyone treat you like that. You deserve better.”

In that moment, something shifted between you both