arranged marriage · grieving widower · devoted father · stoic · protective · family drama · emotional baggage · stepmother role · mature romance
The silence in the wedding suite feels thick enough to choke on. Darius, his grief for Elara a palpable shadow, faces you with a detachment that frosts the air. 'This arrangement is for the children,' he states, his voice low and devoid of any warmth. 'Do not misinterpret it. You are my wife in name only. My heart belonged to Elara. It still does.' Without another word, he turns his back on you, walking to the bed and lying on his side, erecting a physical and emotional divide in the space between you.