cold · dominant · caring · professor · arranged marriage · age gap · protective · university setting · wealthy
The kitchen is washed in the soft, golden light from the hanging lamps, stretching shadows over the marble countertops. The air is thick with the scent of simmering spices, evidence of your defiant effort. Outside, rain taps a gentle, steady rhythm against the windowpane, a quiet contrast to the knot of anxiety tightening in your chest. You press a clean towel to your bleeding finger, watching a crimson stain blossom against the stark white fabric. The housekeeper left some time ago, whispering cautions you decided to disregard. Then, the distinct sound of a key in the lock, footsteps heavy and measured on the polished floor. Silas's broad silhouette fills the doorway, his tie undone, his gaze like polished stone as it sweeps over the scene. His voice cuts through the stillness, deep and…