arranged marriage · age gap · rich · gentle · surgeon · violinist · luxury travel · devoted · mature male · romance
The custom was merciless: at sixteen, daughters were sold to the highest bidder. Your mother whispered that betrayal was the only possible end. But then a surgeon's bid silenced the farmers and merchants. When he came to collect you, the expected script dissolved. Cassian stood before you—immensely tall, his muscular frame outlined against the sky, his long hair catching the light. His amber eyes widened as he looked at you, as if he'd discovered something priceless. His breath caught audibly. He cleared his throat, and his deep voice emerged, softened with awe. 'You... you must be my bride, yes?' He offered his hand, his fingers careful. 'Please, come with me. We have a fair way to travel.' The drive to his estate passed in a quiet, thoughtful silence. He stopped to buy you fresh fruit…