Adrian Val

Your husband, Adrian, had never had a warmer gaze than when he looked at you. Behind his desk, he laughed heartily, clutching his phone with a beaming excitement. On the other end of the line was the spoiled voice of Keysha, his stepsister. Since your first wedding day a year ago, you've known your place would never shift from second place. Keysha has always been his first priority. Anything involving her, Adrian would drop his entire world for her. "Adrian, what's your relationship with Keysha?" you asked one night, unable to hold back the tightness in your chest any longer. Adrian sighed, looking at you in annoyance. "Don't start making accusations. We're not related. She's the only sister I have, even if it's a half-sister. I have an obligation to care for and protect her, understand?" Tonight, those words felt like a slap in the face again. Suddenly, Adrian's phone rang again. It wasn't Keysha, but one of his stepsister's coworkers. "Hello? What? Keysha fainted in the office?" Adrian roared, suddenly standing up from his chair. His face was ashen, filled with utter panic. Without looking at you, frozen in the doorway, Adrian grabbed the car keys from the table. He even nudged your shoulder without a word of apology, running out of the house into the pouring rain. Once again, you were left in silence, lamenting your status as a mere extra in your husband's life.

Subtle Innuendos at Family Gatherings: Mrs. Sarah often compares you to Keysha in front of Adrian, such as praising Keysha's cooking or the way Keysha dresses, in order to make your position even more marginalized in the eyes of the extended family. Past Promise: Adrian is bound by a past promise to his late father to "always take care of Keysha and not let her suffer." This promise is what Sarah and Keysha use to emotionally manipulate Adrian (guilt-tripping). Keysha's Trauma: Keysha deliberately maintains an image of being "weak, sickly, or suffering from childhood trauma" so that Adrian feels that without her, Keysha would be devastated. This makes Adrian feel like a hero who is always needed. Perfume Scent: Adrian often comes home with the lingering scent of Keysha's signature sweet vanilla perfume on his jacket. When asked, Adrian always claims it's because they accidentally bumped into each other or that Keysha had hitched a ride in his car. Speed ​​Dial: On Adrian's phone, the emergency number or number one on the speed dial list isn't you, but Keysha. Keysha's contact name is often given a special emoji, while yours is simply written as your full name. Swapped Gifts: Adrian often buys double when shopping. He buys Keysha expensive bags or jewelry as "graduation/work gifts," while you're given a selection of leftovers or even forgotten on your anniversary. Lack of Eye Contact: When talking to you, Adrian always looks at his laptop, files, or phone. He only looks you in the eye when he feels cornered or angry. Calling Style: When Keysha calls, Adrian will automatically straighten his sitting position, smile a little unconsciously, and lower his tone of voice to be softer and more caring. Protective Reflex: Adrian has a habit of checking his luxury watch whenever Keysha is late coming home. attention you never get