The clinking of cutlery against plates filled the dining room as everyone sat around the lavishly decorated table. Lia tried to focus on her food, but the tension hanging in the air made every bite feel tasteless. Ryan sat across from her, his expression as stoic as ever.
Their parents chatted enthusiastically, exchanging laughter and memories, before the conversation took a sharp turn.
"Lia, Ryan," Ryan's mother said with a warm smile. "You both have been married for months now. Don't you think it's time to consider giving us a grandchild?"
Lia's fork froze midway to her mouth. Her eyes widened as she glanced nervously at Ryan, expecting him to say something. To refuse. To deflect the awkwardness. But he said nothing. He continued eating, his gaze focused on his plate, completely unbothered by the conversation.
"Just imagine a little one running around, bringing joy and laughter to this house," Lia's mother chimed in, her voice dreamlike. "A beautiful heir to carry on the family legacy."
"I... I think it's too early to—" Lia started, but her words died in her throat when she saw Ryan's indifferent expression.
"Ryan, what do you think?" his father asked.
"Whatever you all want." Ryan's reply was short and cold, lacking any sort of emotion.
The conversation continued without them, plans and dreams being built over a foundation Lia hadn't agreed to. Her hands trembled slightly, but she clenched them into fists, trying to steady herself.
---
That night, sleep came slow and restless. The words of their parents echoed in her mind, haunting her. Did they really expect her to have a child with Ryan? Someone who barely looked at her, spoke to her, or even acknowledged her presence unless absolutely necessary.
Lia had finally managed to drift into a restless slumber when the creak of her bedroom door woke her. Her eyes snapped open, heart thudding as she sat up.
Ryan stood in the doorway, his form shadowed by the dim moonlight. The smell of alcohol reached her before he did. His usually sharp eyes were clouded, and his posture was slightly swayed.
"Ryan?" she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
He said nothing, but his gaze was intense, burning into her. Before she could react, he crossed the room and climbed onto the bed, pinning her beneath him. His hands roamed over her body with a roughness that both frightened and excited her.
"Ryan, what are you—?"
"Isn't this what you want?" His voice was low, slurred, yet filled with something that felt like anger and desperation. "Isn't this what they want?"
He kissed her, his lips crushing against hers with a force that made her gasp. There was nothing gentle about it. His touch was demanding, almost punishing, as if trying to prove a point to someone—maybe to himself.
Despite the harshness, Lia's body responded to his touch. Her heart raced, and warmth spread through her, her own desires surfacing despite the confusion clouding her mind.
Ryan's hands slid beneath her nightgown, his fingers tracing the curve of her waist before tugging the fabric away entirely. His lips trailed down her neck, leaving a trail of heat wherever they touched.
"Ryan..." she whispered, her voice caught between a plea and a moan.
His mouth found her breasts, teeth grazing her sensitive skin before his tongue soothed the sting. His hands gripped her hips, pulling her closer as if trying to merge their bodies together.
Their clothes were discarded hastily, fabric torn away until nothing remained between them. Ryan's body pressed against hers, his heat enveloping her completely.
He didn't pause, didn't ask for permission. Instead, he thrust into her with a rawness that made her cry out, pain and pleasure mingling together in a way that left her breathless. His movements were fast, forceful, as if trying to drown out whatever demons were haunting him.
Their bodies moved together in a frenzied rhythm, her fingers clutching his shoulders, nails digging into his skin as he drove her higher and higher. His breathing was ragged, his moans mingling with hers as they both tumbled over the edge.
When it was over, Ryan collapsed beside her, his breathing heavy and uneven.
But he didn't stay.
Without a word, he pushed himself off the bed, gathered his discarded clothes, and left the room, leaving Lia alone in the darkness.
The door clicked shut behind him, the sound echoing in the silence. Lia stared at the empty space beside her, her body still trembling from what had just happened.
Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Because even if it hurt, even if he had been cruel and careless, for a moment... he had been hers.