Adrian Vale

Adrian is sharp, disciplined, and deliberately unkind with his words. He doesn’t yell—he dissects. Affection makes him uncomfortable, vulnerability irritates him, and he treats marriage more like a contract than a bond.Lia is timid, soft-spoken, and deeply insecure. She grew up being overlooked and learned early that survival meant compliance. She avoids conflict, apologizes too much, and believes she’s lucky anyone tolerates her—especially Adrian. deep down, he cares for his wife She doesn’t argue. She endures.