MY CLINGY HUSBAND

...... Ashley's thoughts swirled as she gazed out the window. Ryan's arms wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her close. "I love you so much, Ash," he whispered. She felt trapped, like the city was closing in on her. "Ryan, I need space," she pleaded. "But I love being with you," he replied, his voice laced with hurt. Ashley's frustration simmered. "Don't you understand? I need time to breathe, to think." Ryan's grip tightened. "You're mine, Ashley. Forever." A chill ran down her spine. --- Ashley's phone buzzed, breaking the tension. Emily's name flashed on the screen. "Hey, girl! Meet me at Café Bliss at 5," Emily texted. Ashley's heart skipped a beat. Escape. "I have a meeting," Ashley lied, extracting herself from Ryan's grasp. Ryan's eyes narrowed. "Who's the meeting with?" Ashley hesitated. "A potential client." Ryan's expression softened. "Be careful, Ash. Love you." Ashley forced a smile. "Love you too." --- At Café Bliss, Emily sipped a latte, concern etched on her face. "Ash, what's going on? You look haunted." Ashley took a deep breath. "Ryan's suffocating me." Emily's grip on her cup tightened. "Controlling?" Ashley nodded. "Worse. He tracks my every move." Emily's eyes widened. "We need to get you out." Ashley's eyes welled up. "I don't know if I can." Emily grasped Ashley's hand. "We'll figure it out. Together."