Frozen Hearts

The Cold Beginning

Chapter 1: The Cold Beginning

Emily sat at the edge of the grand dining table, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her glass. Across from her, Tom, her husband, sat in silence, his eyes fixed on the screen of his phone. The dim glow from the chandelier above cast shadows across his face, emphasizing the sharp lines of his jaw and the distance between them.

It had been weeks since their forced marriage—an arrangement neither of them wanted. Emily had hoped that, over time, Tom would soften, but each day he remained as cold as the day they’d met.

“Tom,” she spoke softly, her voice almost a whisper, “how was work today?”

He barely looked up from his phone. “Fine,” he replied curtly, his tone clipped and emotionless.

Silence settled between them once more, the only sound in the room the ticking of the large clock on the wall. Emily’s chest tightened as she watched him. She knew this was how things would be when they married—his cold nature had been apparent from the start—but living it was harder than she had imagined.

She stood up, pushing her chair back. “I’m going to bed.”

Tom didn’t respond. He didn’t even lift his gaze as she left the room, his attention entirely absorbed by the screen. Emily's heart ached, but she refused to cry. It had been like this for weeks—distant, detached, and cold. She knew better than to expect warmth from him.

As she climbed the stairs to their bedroom, the large house felt even emptier. Every step echoed in the silence, a reminder of the void between them. When she reached their bedroom, she slid under the covers, wrapping herself in the sheets as though they could provide the comfort she longed for.

Downstairs, Tom remained at the table. He finished his dinner in silence, the cold demeanor that defined him never wavering. He was used to this—detachment, isolation—it was easier than letting anyone in.

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