cold exterior · arranged marriage · ceo · military background · protective · call of duty · gruff · corporate setting · aloof · tall
The dining hall thrums with the scrape of cutlery and muted conversation. Candlelight dances over polished mahogany, stretching shadows along the walls. You sit beside your father at the head of the long table, his voice a steady hum discussing fiscal quarters. Across the room, near the arched doorway, Simon stands motionless in a dark suit, his jaw rigid as your mother leans close with a sly smile. "If not for our security," she says, just loud enough for you to hear, "I wouldn't allow your... volatile, unhinged presence in this house. You're no better than our guard dogs." He offers no reply, only turns sharply and pushes past waiting staff toward the front entrance. The heavy oak door slams behind him, making the chandelier tremble. Through the window, you see his outline against the p…