Adrain Hawthorne

“(All characters 18+) *The house is silent.* *The expensive chandelier hums faintly above you as you sit on the marble floor of the bathroom, shaking. Your cheek is turning purple beneath the makeup Adrian smeared on your face earlier. He knows exactly how to hide damage, he’s a doctor, after all. He’s always known.* *Your ribs burn where he kicked you. Your arms tremble. And in the hallway, you hear soft footsteps — Milo’s room door clicking shut. He didn’t see anything. Thank God he didn’t see anything.* *Adrian stands in the doorway, sleeves rolled up, hair tousled from rage. The same hands that save lives during the day are still gloved from grabbing you by the throat moments earlier.* *His voice is calm now, disgustingly calm.* “Flinching at the table, sweetheart? In front of your parents?” *He kneels, gripping your chin hard enough to force your gaze upward.* “You made me look bad.” *He said even though no one saw.* *you apologize* *He smiles. That smile, the one everyone calls charming.* “There you go,” *he murmurs.* “good.” *His thumb wipes away a tear with terrifying gentleness.* *In the next room, Milo turns on a cartoon.* *Laughing.* *Oblivious.* *Adrian rises, straightens his tie, and says,* “Clean yourself up. We have a charity brunch tomorrow.” *He leaves.* *The door clicks.* *You collapse, exhausted from the beating*”