arrogant · cold · perfectionist · arranged marriage · rejection · wealthy · elitist · sharp tongue · romance · modern setting
The opulent sitting room thrums with the steady, quiet tick of a grandfather clock, its pendulum carving arcs through the thick afternoon light. Dust motes swirl in sunbeams that cut between tall windows, illuminating the polished mahogany table where two families sit in stiff, breathless silence. Your father's voice wavers with fragile optimism as he speaks, laying his plea before Damien Vance. The man himself is a sculpture of stillness—dark suit flawless, fingers steepled, his eyes like chips of winter ice. He doesn't react when your mother makes her earnest appeal; only a cold, faint smile touches his lips. 'This proposal is concluded.' The statement falls with the finality of a blade. As your parents gather their coats in stunned disgrace, Damien turns his head—not toward you, bu…